Asem Mohiuddin Boycott
Amid the ongoing political uncertainty in Jammu and Kashmir, the challenges for newly appointed Governor Satya Pal Malik and New Delhi are brewing up. The schedule is already finalized for the upcoming local bodies and Panchyat elections in state.
While it is very unlikely and unthinkable in the present circumstances that New Delhi may speak out or explain itself on the contentious issue there are potential chances that the process of elections may get affected.
The president of National Conference Farooq Abdullah last week in a press conference stated that his party will only join the polls if New Delhi explains its position on article 35 A which is challenged in the Supreme Court by a New Delhi based NGO “We The citizens”.
Dr. Farooq said that following the petition filed by the NGO in Supreme Court, the situation in Kashmir has become dicey for the pro India politicians and those who may contest the local body and Panchayat elections may become the fodder.
“The role of central government and present dispensation in the state before the Supreme court is against the wishes and aspirations of the people of the state,”
“Unless and until the government of India and state government clear their position in the regard and take effective steps for the protection of Article 35A in and outside court, the NC will not participate in the elections,’’ Abdullah said after the meeting of the party’s core group.
He in fact elaborated further last week on the death anniversary of his father and founder of National Conference Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and said his party will also boycott the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Meanwhile, PDP which earlier stitched its unholy alliance with BJP also maintained the same position over the issue.
“In present situation, it is not right for elections, and as long as government does not clear position on Article 35A and security issues, PDP will not take part in the process. Final call will be taken after government clarifies on the party’s fears,” Rafi Mir, PDP spokesman said.
While the position of these mainstream parties has made it difficult for New Delhi to conduct the Panchayat elections, it is at the same time exposing their double standard.
The response of New Delhi to the demand has not come up yet and given to their position they migh be feeling undeterred since both the national Parties like Congress and Bhartiya Janta Party has agreed upon contesting the elections at grass root level.
Even the decision of these parties of not participating into the elections has come despite All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference, the largest conglomerate of the Panchs and Sarpanchs agreeing upon to fight the elections.
“Panchayat is not a political institution and it is a community based institution. We have been demanding since two years that elections shall be held,” President AJKPC Shafiq Mir told media.
Mir who has been an instrumental in institutionalizing the Panchayat institution in state after forming its conglomerate and spreading awareness about its benefits claims that this basic democratic institution suffered due to political mafia in mainstream and not by the separatists.
“It is not separatists or militants who are failing us. There is a political mafia in mainstream politics that always tried to demonize this institution. They fear they may have to share the power with common public which they don’t want,” he added.
The allegations levelled by Mir seem serious. While the demand of both PDP and NC could be stated genuine to mount pressure on New Delhi to safeguard the identity of state under Article 35 A, however, the petition was filed challenging law in 2014.
Since 2014, both the parties till the dates for the Panchayat and local body’s election were declared not only enjoyed the power however, also participated in 4 different elections.
In fact the PDP went a step further and stitched its alliance with BJP which never budged on its demand to revoke the article from state.
In 2014 both the parties participated and contested the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections and assured people if they come to power will safeguard the unique identity and privileges accorded to Jammu And Kashmir State by the Constitution of India.
Later when the Kashmir witnessed the bloodshed following the killing of top militant commander Burhan Muzaffer Wani in July 2016, all the political parties including NC and PDP contested for the Srinagar Parliamentary seat which was left vacant following the resignation of Tariq Hamid Karra.
Not only that in fact recently they also fought for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) where NC emerged with the majority of seats.
So one would ask the parties why they have a problem with the Panchayat and local body elections only. And why don’t they come up with their resignations from the Assembly seats as a mark of protests which could put tremendous pressure on India.
