Omar Abdullah’s comeback as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir marks more than just a return to political power. As the first elected Chief Minister since the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories in 2019, Abdullah carries the weight of both history and expectations on his shoulders. While the symbolism of his oath is undeniable, it is essential that this government moves beyond optics to deliver real change, offering people a sense of empowerment and belonging that has been absent for the past six years.
The NC has every reason to be thankful to people of Kashmir Valley who rallied in favour of the party despite the confusion created by an electoral scene populated by diverse political entities and independent candidates. They saw in the party the best guarantee for the protection of their rights. On the other hand, the voters in Jammu, particularly in its Hindu-dominated areas, consolidated in favour of the BJP. The situation now is that both the regions have chosen ideologically divergent parties to represent them. While the NC-Congress alliance has won a majority of seats, the BJP, on its own, and even with the support of its purported allies in the Valley couldn’t secure the majority.
Going forward, the NC government is anticipated to be dealing with the powerful Lieutenant Governor representing the BJP government at the centre. He will also be up against the BJP as a formidable regional opposition party with the second largest number of seats. The saffron party increased its tally in the Jammu division from the 25 seats in 2014 to 29 now.
However, the inclusion of Surinder Kumar Choudhary as Deputy Chief Minister is a welcome outreach to the Jammu region. But addressing competing regional expectations will require sustained political effort, not mere tokenism. For now, the elected government has little power to do anything substantive. For this government, thus, symbolism is very important. Abdullah’s order to the Director General of Police to ensure minimal public inconvenience from official convoys is a welcome gesture, but people will judge his government on the tangible delivery of services.
Here’s hoping that this government, despite its lack of authority, will rise to the occasion and fufill the expectations of the people. People deserve not just a functioning government but one that is responsive, accountable and, of course, empathetic. Only such an approach to governance will mark it apart from the air of apathy that characterizes a bureaucracy-centric administration.
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