The dual power centres at Civil secretariat and Raj Bhawan in Jammu and Kashmir has put the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in an uncomfortable situation. Omar Abdullah’s prowess to understand the working of his government in a Union Territory has left him in an awkward situation. He intends to exonerate himself from any major responsibility and shift the blame on New Delhi which actually hold the reins in Jammu and Kashmir through Raj Bhawan.
He is unclear of what he can possibly do and where he needs to limit his position. It was anticipated at the time when Omar Abdullah’s Jammu Kashmir National Conference won the Assembly elections with sweeping majority and stalked the claim for the government formation.
Prior to 2019 when the provisions of Article 370 were abrogated and erstwhile state bifurcated in two Union Territories, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir with bicameral set up was one of the most powerful Chief Minister’s of the country.
The situation, however, after 2019 changed significantly and Union Territory having the Assembly with weakest laws and centre directly holding reins in critical issues like Law and order, land and revenues. Former Chief Minister and PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti even shared the same concerns and refused to contest the elections for the Assembly segment instead fielding her daughter Iltija mufti.
She even said that she can’t be a part of this weakest Assembly where she can’t deliver to the people as per their expectations. But JKNC decided to field Omar Abdullah as Chief ministerial candidate and promised people to fight for the restoration of Statehood, Article 370 and everything they lost on August 5, 2019.
Within 2 months in government, Omar Abdullah reflects his inability to do what he promised but he wants people to repose faith in him though he can’t deliver. He tried to convey people that he stands guard against any further intrusions and erosions by New Delhi to the rights of the people but whatever is already taken, he won’t be able to get it back in the present scheme of things.
The departure of Omar Abdullah government from its pre poll position has even raised the questions within the National Conference. Central Kashmir MP Ruhullah Mehdi who proved instrumental in shifting Shia community votes towards his party and defeating Imran Ansari in Pattan Constituency protested outside the CM’s residence at Gupkar recently along with hundreds of students and opposition legislatures over reservation issues.
Omar shares same concerns as common man though people voted him and his party for their redressal. Protection of land and jobs were primary issues that his party promised to secure, however, he didn’t reveal any road map so far how he is going to secure them.
Omar is articulate and effectively handle the media as he did in this maiden press meet. While he had nothing to offer and shares only the grievances with New Delhi but he wants to keep the media in good humour. Unlike in 2014, when he was the Chief minister, his media management was very poor and mostly he was at loggerheads with local media and preferred the media centered at New Delhi.
Traditionally, the local politicians earlier preferred to remain in good books with New Delhi and would choose National media houses to express their opinions. However, recently, the change is marked with all political parties not even bothering to speak with social media influencers of valley.
They have come to the point of realization that people are supreme in democracy and any political party wants to survive must remain rooted on ground as New Delhi has no more free lunch at its disposal. Omar is watched from ground and his every move is patiently recorded by all those who voted him with high expectations and hopes. He has lot more to do and needs to do to sustain his power.
Unemployment, power crisis and infrastructural issues are the main concerns he must start with. It is true that New Delhi holds a strong grip on administrative affairs of Jammu and Kashmir but his government can submit the proposals to Raj Bhawan wherever he has the limitations and seek the approval.
If Omar Abdullah can’t deliver on the promises he made during the elections despite getting the majority, it would be difficult for his party face the people on ground in the next elections. Omar can’t afford to exonerate himself and his party from all the promises he made. If he committed it, he must deliver and humble beginning would be a great start.
