They may never debate it in the open. But in their cozy rooms, from pro-resistance parties to Mehbooba Mufti and Omer Abdullah, every one must be for sure discussing emergience of Sajad Lone as a strong contender on the scenario of Kashmir politics. No doubt a huge majority of people stayed away from these polls so far, but NC and PDP would never have dreamed of seeing Peoples Conference candidate becoming Mayor for Srinagar city. NC & PDP would often discuss how Sajad Lone managed to get two seats in state assembly, as late Lone Sahab could hardly manage to get even his own seat till he was in mainstream politics.
The argument that the newly elected Municipal corporates do not enjoy people’s mandate makes no big difference to authenticate claims of NC and PDP. NC and PDP not only in 1996 but after wards also on many occasions represented state assembly and Indian parliament by securing nominal number of votes. As such both these parties have no moral authority to question the percentage of votes PC has secured in Srinagar municipal polls. Huriyat and pro resistance groups have a reason to claim victory as for them the bigger thing to celebrate has been low percentage of votes. However, they too need to not forget that while in Kashmir participation was much low but in Jammu as usual masses participated in huge numbers and rejected the boycott call. One should not forget that Huriyat has a special relationship with Sajad Lone. While he has a good silent support among moderates but for hardliners he is more than a traitor and they see him more detrimental to their cause.
NC & PDP have been caught in an ugly situation and the intensity of their problems can well be judged by Governor Satya Pal Malik’s taking a jibe on them every day and claiming that both NC & PDP feel regretted for not participating in the local body polls. It is astonishing that BJP seems least bothered about low percentage in valley, and is busy claiming victory in Kashmir. NC & PDP have really tough times ahead. While PDP could be blamed for all the uncertainties and misfortunes emerging from the current scenario, NC has to justify every step it takes in future.
The only thing that can save the existence of these two parties is to join hands and sincerely compel centre to take concrete steps towards resolution of Kashmir dispute. If Kashmiris lose the advantages of low participation in Municipal and Panchayat polls, it would prove counterproductive. NC and PDP would find themselves heading towards further disappointment and disaster if they fail to gain something from the low turnout, as it will not be Huriyat or JRL that may cash the dividends of low turnout, but NC & PDP can only do it. The reason being the low turnout can compel New Delhi to take various CBMs which Huriyat may not be interested in, thus leaving mainstream parties the ground open to strike smaller deals with New Delhi. It may not be an easy walk for Sajad Lone too, as his nominee becoming a Mayor and winning few municipalities can just be a small step towards his ultimate goal. He needs not to forget that in case of large participation by the masses his own survival from a couple of seats will be under question for various valid reasons.
As of now, his is one point agenda of becoming the chief minister. It is high time for Sajad Lone too, not to rely on breaking other parties and waiting for accidents in politics of J&K, all to become an alternative to NC or PDP.
If both mainstream, and the separatist parties, yet again, fail to deliver and respond, one can only say that most of them are confused. Some are power hungry and others are proxies of New Delhi and Islamabad. Masses also need to sincerely understand the harsh reality that what do their leaders stand for.