Vijay Hashia
In the politically charged atmosphere of Jammu and Kashmir’s elections, the manifestos of various political parties have not only focused on key regional and developmental issues but have also been marred by electoral illusions. Their promises and agendas that have stirred debate, widened the political chasm, and heightened further polarization, exacerbating the already fragile political environment.
Three major political parties amongst 7 local and 32 independents, National Conference (NC), Indian National Congress (INC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP) together with People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), for example, promises the restoration of Article 370 and the special status of J&K, is highly controversial. They pledge to fight for the reinstatement of the constitutional provision that was abrogated in August 2019.
While this promise resonates deeply with sections of the electorate in the Kashmir Valley, it remains politically toxic on a national level. The revocation of Article 370 was seen by the BJP and its supporters as a step toward greater national integration. Critics argue that INC, NC and PDP’s continued pestering for this issue, has kept them mired in the past, offering no viable solutions for the future governance of J&K. The practicality of restoring the provision remains highly questionable given the BJP’s majority at the national level and its staunch opposition to any rollback of its decision.
The BJP’s promise of restoring statehood at an “appropriate time” is a stark contrast to the demands of Congress, NC, PDP and Apni Party which also promises restoration of statehood but with limited autonomy. These parties are merely offering inflatable promises without any clear timeline or practical implementation plan. For the NC and PDP, statehood with limited autonomy remains controversial because it is intertwined with the highly divisive issue of Article 370, whereas the Apni Party is criticized for making statehood a rescue raft for winning votes without addressing other pressing issues like employment and security.
The PDP, NC and BJP have promised the safe return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, a community that was forced to flee the Valley in the 1990s due to insurgency and militancy. In his recent election rally in Doda, PM Modi sharply criticized the three major political families, NC, PDP and Congress accusing them of perpetuating ‘dynastic politics’ that hindered progress in the state. The Prime Minister resolutely amplified the call for Kashmiri Pandits ‘Ghar Wapsi,’ demanding the issuance of a comprehensive white paper and full accountability for all victims of terrorism. He urged swift adjudication through fast-track courts to deliver justice and uphold the rule of law in the embattled region.
The critics from both the Hindu and Muslim communities argue that these promises are symbolic and pusillanimous gestures, lacking real action plans. The resettlement issue has been used as a symbolic freebie, with previous successive governments failing to make any concrete progress on this front. The Kashmiri Pandit community itself is divided, with some leaders calling for an election boycott as a response to what they perceive as churlish political tokenism, rather than substantive efforts to rehabilitate them. Notably, 14 Kashmiri Pandits have courageously filed nominations for the upcoming Assembly elections stepping into the fray to contend for legislative seats.
While the allure of economic development may appear vibrant, critics dismiss it as little more than a juvenile ruse, pointing to the absence of political resolve and the transient nature of post-election governance. Detractors of the BJP assert that most economic initiatives have disproportionately favored Jammu, leaving the Valley untouched by substantial reforms. This has spurred skepticism, with many doubting whether BJP’s pledges are genuine strides of progress or simply vacuous rhetoric aimed at consolidating its Jammu base.
NC, Congress, PDP, Apni Party and BJP, have promised massive job creation, especially for the youth. The BJP and Apni Party have tied employment growth to infrastructure and industrial development. The unemployment is one of the most critical issues in the region, yet these promises have been widely lampooned as empty words, given the government’s inability to address the region’s stark unemployment rate over the years. In a union territory rife with political uncertainty and ongoing conflict, the job market will not improve until there is peace, stability, and greater investment. Many voters view these employment promises as a staring, inflatable gimmick rather than a practical solution.
Given the political volatility and ongoing security concerns, the promise to restore tourism, focusing on creating a safe and attractive environment for tourists, seems more like a confetti celebration of unrealistic goals. That, without addressing the deep-seated issues of militancy, promoting tourism is merely a distraction from the more urgent economic and governance concerns.
Another key political player is the Awami Itihad Party (AIP), which advocates an ambitious and controversial agenda. Among its proposals are the unconditional release of individuals labeled as terrorists or political prisoners, the repeal of the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), a ban on liquor sales, free healthcare, sweeping education reforms, the reinstatement of the traditional Darbar move, and the rehabilitation of displaced communities. While the party’s promises address social concerns, critics warn that dismantling the PSA and UAPA could severely undermine security, particularly given the history of previous governments releasing detainees without stringent scrutiny.
The promises made by political parties reflect the deep divisions, both in terms of regional politics and national narratives. Stealthily, many of these promises serve specific electoral strategies rather than addressing the core challenges faced by the people. Whether it’s the emotional appeal for the restoration of Article 370 or the grandiose promises of development and tourism, these manifestos are peppered with symbolic freebies that may fail to deliver once the election dust settles. Parties on both sides of the political spectrum have been criticized for their pusillanimity in addressing the real concerns of voters, instead focusing on inflatable issues that capture headlines but offer little in the way of meaningful solutions. As the election drama unfolds within a couple of days, voters may find themselves sailing a labyrinth of retribution, where promises made today might become the cause of disenchantment tomorrow.
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