HILAL BHAT
The political draught has finally come to an end on October 8.Fighting all odds and inclinations , people of Kashmir valley have shown a true political character by giving a decisive mandidate in favour of a single party which has emerged J&K national conference as the single largest party in assembly elections 2024 with a quantum jump of 42 assembly seats.It is not less than a windfall for national conference.
“ Zyoen Ho Zyoen Ho “ was originally founded by PDP but became a popular slogan of National conference and suited them well in the end.This was never so easy given the abrupt proliferation of parties especially in Kashmir valley.Looks like voter has done a bit of a homework and a significant political exercise before exercising his right of voting.The onus lies on Omar Abdullah who is going to be the chief minister of a coalition government for the second time in his political career.
Though a clear victory for national conference , almost a clean sweep in Kashmir , however , it won’t be a cakewalk for Omar Abdullah to run the affairs of governance as chief minister of a union territory.This time arround it is a different story altogether.A strong oppostion of BJP in the assembly which has emerged as the second largest party with 29 seats and BJP as a ruling party in centre which makes it even tougher as an opposition and then we have the limited powers for CM in a Union territory , extending central laws and an expected role of LG who will be managing law and order himself with full support from Delhi.This must make the situation tough for NC lead government in the future.Remember previously Omar Abdullah was chief minister of the congress supported coalition government when congress itself was ruling at centre and a well placed full-fledged state was in place.That was comparatively a much favourable situation for him , a win win situation indeed.Even then we still remember Omar Abdullah saying that , “his hairs have turned white “ while dealing with the issues and situations in that tenure.Imagine the complexity of the situation in future now.
It is evident that people of Kashmir have voted against the abrogation of article 370.Omar Abdullah himself admitted that even those people have voted in his favour who would have never otherwise voted for national conference.And for getting 370 reversed there must be a two third majority in the parliament which can bring a constitutional amendment.As of now that seems far and impossible.Moreover , for any constitutional amendment or law making in J&K assembly it is again imperative to have a two third majority.That makes the role of allies very crucial and relevant.In that context NC must seek the support of PDP and as many independents as it can.That will prove very useful in future course of action.
By all means National Conference has to work with BJP ‘s Prime minister in the centre.Therefore , they must ensure a good working relation with Delhi.Any thing otherwise is never going to be in the intrest of J&K.Delhi is bound to restore the statehood given the promise of Home minister Sri Amit Shah in the Parliament.More than that It is also bound and accountable to supreme court of India for the same.Delhi must keep its promise and restore the statehood sooner than latter.That should be enough to liberate Omar Abdullah from the ongoing political pressure at the initial stage.Hope not much of a bargaining is needed to settle the issue.Moreover , Confrontation with centre will only ruin the situation and won’t yield any good results.Omar Abdullah government can only adress the issues and aspirations of people of J&K only if he will be able to develop a good working relation with Delhi.That art of a fine balance between peoples aspirations and working in good terms with BJP will be the key to success for Omar Abdullah lead National confrence government.Lets hope both centre and J&K will work with the true spirit of federalism and provide good governance to J&K and it’s people.
Bhat Hilal Ahmad ( Biotech ) is a writer and an independent columnist.He can be mailed at biotechilal@gmail.com
