ahmad ayaz
The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has once again brought disappointment to its people. The National Conference (NC), a party with a long-standing legacy in the region, secured a significant mandate during the recent elections. However, its post-election performance has failed to align with the high expectations set during the campaign. The promises made in the party’s manifesto, particularly the restoration of Article 370, have not only been unfulfilled but also dismissed by the very leaders who once championed them.
ELECTION PROMISES VS. GROUND REALITY
The NC’s manifesto during the election campaign was ambitious, with the restoration of Article 370 being a central focus. Article 370, which granted J&K special status, was abrogated in August 2019, leading to widespread discontent among the people of the region. Many viewed it as a betrayal of their identity and rights. By making the restoration of Article 370 a key promise, the NC tapped into these sentiments, galvanizing public support.
However, once in power, the NC leadership shifted its stance, declaring that expecting the restoration of Article 370 under the same central regime that abrogated it was unrealistic. This abrupt U-turn not only disillusioned their supporters but also raised questions about the sincerity of their pre-election commitments.
THE ISSUE OF STATEHOOD
Beyond Article 370, the NC manifesto included promises to address pressing issues such as providing 200 free electricity units, 12 free cylinders annually, repealing the Public Safety Act (PSA), resolving the prisoners’ issue, tackling unemployment, improving infrastructure development, and enhancing governance. However, progress on these fronts has been minimal. The NC leadership has attributed its inability to deliver on these promises to the structural limitations imposed by the Union Territory (UT) setup and the absence of Statehood.
While it is true that the lack of Statehood significantly curtails the powers of the elected government, this excuse raises fundamental questions. Why were these promises made if the leadership was aware of the structural limitations? How did the NC campaign so effectively on a platform of hope and change, knowing full well that they lacked the necessary authority to implement their vision?
A PATTERN OF BROKEN PROMISES
This is not the first time the people of J&K have experienced such political disillusionment. Over the decades, successive governments have made lofty promises, only to falter when it came to delivery. The NC, in particular, has a history of leveraging the emotional and political aspirations of the people for electoral gains, only to retreat under the guise of political or structural constraints.
The current situation is a stark reminder of this pattern. The party’s reluctance to pursue the restoration of Article 370 aggressively and its failure to address other manifesto promises have left the electorate feeling betrayed once again.
ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY
Elections are not merely about securing power; they are about earning the trust of the people and delivering on promises. By citing the lack of Statehood as a post-election excuse, the NC leadership undermines the credibility of its manifesto and weakens the bond of trust with the electorate. The people of J&K deserve transparency and accountability, not a litany of excuses for inaction.
This situation also underscores the need for greater political honesty during election campaigns. Political parties must align their promises with the realities of governance, especially in a politically sensitive and structurally unique region like J&K. Unrealistic promises erode trust and deepen the sense of alienation among the people.
THE ROLE OF THE ELECTORATE
While the NC’s failures are glaring, this situation highlights the importance of an informed and vigilant electorate. Voters must critically evaluate the promises made by political parties and hold them accountable for their actions post-election. Blind allegiance to traditional parties or charismatic leaders often leads to cycles of disappointment and disillusionment.
In the case of J&K, the electorate must demand greater clarity and specificity in future election campaigns. Questions about the feasibility of promises, the limitations of governance under the UT setup, and the roadmap for achieving Statehood should dominate public discourse.
THE NEED FOR A NEW POLITI CAL PARADIGM
The current political scenario in J&K calls for a shift in how political parties engage with the electorate. Instead of relying on emotional appeals and grand promises, parties must focus on practical solutions to the region’s pressing issues. The restoration of Article 370 and Statehood, while important, cannot be the sole focus of political discourse. Issues such as unemployment, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development require immediate attention and action.
There is also a need for greater cooperation between the central government and the UT administration to address the unique challenges faced by J&K. The region’s political future cannot be built on a foundation of broken promises and unfulfilled aspirations.
THE IMPACT OF DUAL CONTROL
The dual control in J&K’s administrative setup—where the Union government holds significant sway—has complicated governance in the region. While this arrangement was intended to bring stability, it has instead created layers of bureaucracy and limited the effectiveness of elected representatives. This dual control is often cited as a reason for non-fulfillment of promises, but it also raises questions about the efficiency and accountability of governance.
If political parties like the NC are serious about addressing the region’s challenges, they must advocate for reforms that reduce bureaucratic hurdles and enhance local governance. This requires a shift from mere rhetoric to actionable policies that bridge the gap between the electorate’s aspirations and the government’s performance.
THE WAY FORWARD
The betrayal of election promises by the National Conference is a stark reminder of the challenges facing J&K’s political landscape. The people of the region deserve leaders who prioritize delivery over rhetoric and accountability over excuses. While the lack of Statehood and the constraints of the UT setup are undeniable, they do not absolve the NC of its responsibility to the electorate.
Elections are a contract between the people and their representatives. Breaking that contract not only undermines democracy but also deepens the sense of disillusionment and alienation among the people. As J&K continues to navigate its complex political and administrative challenges, the need for honest, transparent, and accountable leadership has never been more urgent.
CONCLUSION
The people of J&K deserve better—not just promises, but results. The NC must introspect and recognize the impact of its failures on public trust. Future campaigns should prioritize honesty and practical solutions over populist rhetoric. Similarly, the electorate must exercise greater caution and demand accountability, ensuring that political parties remain true to their commitments.
J&K’s path to stability and development lies in a collaborative approach where political leaders, administrators, and the public work together to overcome challenges. A departure from the cycle of broken promises and disillusionment is essential for the region’s progress and the restoration of faith in its political institutions.
The author can be reached at ahmadayaz08@gmail.com