The two arch rivals, NC and PDP, have been emanating some positive vibes of late. Although, the signals were somewhat feeble, yet, they have had profound impact hitting the nail at the top. PDP’s claim of unconditional support from Congress and NC to facilitate the formation of government in the state must have certainly surprised and shocked both Raj Bhawan and New Delhi. The communication is said to have never reached Raj Bawan as the “fax machine” had purportedly gone defunct due to some technical snag. The PDP rebels and a few disgruntled elements were all set to form the government with the active support of BJP. To their dismay, they were outwitted and outsmarted by PDP’s sudden move thus checkmating the rebels at the very outset. In utter huff and disgust, Raj Bhawan was advised to dissolve the assembly so that no non BJP government comes into being. It was a well-conceived game plan executed meticulously. The question arises who checkmated whom? Apparently, the trio – Congress, NC and PDP have a reason to rejoice while rebels had no option but to take it lying down. Being on the same page in intent and action which fructified positively this time, why didn’t PDP leadership exhibit the vision and political acumen in accepting unconditional support of Congress and NC for keeping out BJP in 2014 government formation.
It was a horrendous blunder on the part of PDP to shake hands with BJP in preference to Congress or NC. Placating people with tall promises of huge monitory bounties by opting for unholy alliance proved to be utterly hollow. On the contrary, it generated tremendous anger and disappointment among the masses which manifested in the uprising of 2016 and which is continuing unabatedly to this day. Primarily, PDP had contested the election on the plank of keeping BJP and RSS out but post election they opened all doors for them to penetrate their footprint allover the state. Thus, PDP not only belied its own election manifesto but also angered a sizeable chunk of their vote bank. The credibility of the party leadership dipped to all time low. PDP failed to realise that long run ramification of this opportunistic alliance may prove to be disastrous for the party and the state. The recent ULB and Panchayat elections is a pointer to that. Gauging their political fortunes on their own parameters, BJP lost no time in calling off the alliance suo-moto and shunted out PDP so unceremoniously.
The abrupt and unexpected dissolution of the state assembly sent shock waves to the rebels and splinter groups. Looking for their own pound of flesh they were preparing in the heart of their hearts to don the CM ‘s crown. New Delhi dashed their day dreams to the ground, though with a heavy heart. The prevailing political uncertainty is likely to worsen with the passage of time. It looks inconceivable to have a singe party rule in future. The forthcoming assembly elections may throw up a fractured mandate. Post electoral alliances have rarely lasted long. The marriage of inconvenience in the past may repeat itself in the times ahead. All efforts are afoot at the national level to forge a united national front to take on the ruling party. Without cobbling up a strong united front, various political parties seem to be running around like a “headless chicken” to the delight of BJP. This should make our leaders wiser as our own political scenario is in no way different from the national. Both are in utter disarray. Some of our tall leaders appear to be proactive in national politics. Though nothing wrong with that but it is better to put your own house in order first. Let the charity begin from the home. Elections to the state assembly are almost at hand. All mainstream parties appear to be lying in slumber. It is high time to wakeup and pull-up your socks before it is too little, too late. The state is craving for a stable elected government. Fearing a hung assembly the mainstream parties should draw up a Common Minimum Program. The NC lost no discernible opportunity to bash up PDP for what they call unholy alliance with BJP.
While time has proved that this alliance was destined to die a miserable death to the amusement of NC and Congress, both must learn a lesson out of this tragic episode for their own consumption. The upcoming election may well throw up a surprise. None of the mainstream political parties may reach the magic figure to form the government on their own. In that event willy-nilly they will have to take support from other parties. Will NC or Congress like to follow into the footprints of PDP or they will prefer to remain out of power for the next six years instead of excepting support from BJP. Much before going to the actual polls, they should seriously brood over the issue in all seriousness and discuss various permutations and combinations. They should also ensure to keep their flock together who will not cross the floor as has become customary for some. The need of the hour is to shed aside their exalted egos and show better political foresight. Fighting elections united will surely be rewarded.
The recent developments in NC and PDP supplementing and complimenting each other on couple of occasions did bear positive results. NC vice president announced boycott of ULB and Panchayat elections prompting PDP president to fall in line. Likewise the latter pitched in for opening up a corridor along LoC to Sharada Peeth in PoK was endorsed by the former. Though no big a deal on the face of it, yet an appreciable and heartwarming initiative towards cooperation and coordination. This can show the way ahead to the upcoming assembly elections to keep BJP at bay. The onus of giving a stable elected government which can run for full term lies on the shoulders of all mainstream parties. This will convey to electorate that the parties are genuinely interested in the development of the state rather than their own personal agenda.
A cursory glance on the economic scenario of the country reveals how poor we have done in the past seven decades. Even the two divisions of the state could not keep a uniform pace in economic development. While Jammu has stolen a march over Kashmir and Ladakh in almost all spheres, Kashmir is going down the hill with every passing year. True, militancy has eaten into our vitals but even in the midst of that we could have accelerated developmental process in many sectors. As the dictum goes, at the bottom of all political wars is Economics.
Siraj Quraishi (IBS) is Ex Deputy Director General Doordarshan.
mujtabaquraishi@hotmail.com