Over the past six months, the political landscape of Kashmir has been dominated by three major opposition parties: the National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party, and Congress. However, their political rallies and agendas reveal a concerning trend – a singular focus on self-empowerment and personal development. In the name of democracy, these leaders seem more interested in safeguarding their own interests and promoting themselves rather than addressing the genuine concerns of the common people.
Their democratic rhetoric is nothing more than a facade for self-promotion. Rather than championing the cause of the people, their motives appear to revolve around personal gain. The leaders of these parties seem to have turned democracy into a tool for personal development, using it as a means to accommodate their children and kith and kin in positions of power.
One striking feature of the political rallies conducted by these parties in the past six months is the conspicuous absence of any substantial discussion on public issues. Despite the numerous challenges faced by the common Kashmiri, the leaders have failed to address or advocate for the resolution of pressing problems. Instead, their focus remains centered on perpetuating their own empowerment.
The leaders of these parties have consistently resorted to raising false slogans like plebiscite, autonomy, and self-rule to create an illusion of addressing the broader concerns of the people. These slogans serve as mere tools to manipulate public sentiment, diverting attention from the leaders’ true agenda – personal development at the cost of the common Kashmiri.
While the children of these political leaders have become global citizens, enjoying the privileges of an enriched lifestyle, the lives of the ordinary Kashmiri have remained mired in misery. The stark contrast between the opulence of the leaders’ families and the struggles faced by the common people paints a grim picture of the self-centered nature of Kashmiri politics.
The leaders of these opposition parties seem stuck in a repetitive cycle, where their primary aim remains the perpetuation of their own empowerment. This pattern, observed over the past six months, reflects a lack of genuine concern for the issues affecting the common people. Instead of engaging with public problems, these politicians continue to link every issue with their personal development, attempting to convince the electorate that their return to power is the only solution to avoid further miseries. One glaring example of the leaders’ hypocrisy is their opposition to the development initiatives in Srinagar, particularly the city’s transformation into a smart city. While they vociferously decried the move, the reality is that their previous tenures were marked by rampant loot and plunder. The mismanagement and corruption during their rule left Kashmir without electricity, and their questionable allocation of power projects to friends and relatives hindered the region’s ability to become self-reliant in the power sector.
Kashmir, despite its potential for self-reliance, is grappling with the aftermath of the misdeeds perpetrated by these politicians during their tenures. The consequences of their actions are evident in the struggles faced by the common people, who continue to bear the brunt of power shortages and inadequate infrastructure. Yet, paradoxically, these very leaders who contributed to the predicament now aspire to return to power, crying foul like a ‘whipping boy’ and disregarding their own role in the current state of affairs.Political rallies held by these parties have brought to fore the self-centric nature of Kashmiri politics, particularly within the National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party, and Congress. The leaders of these parties, instead of championing the cause of the common people, have used democracy as a means for personal development and empowerment.
Disconnect between the opulent lives of their families and the struggles faced by ordinary Kashmiris are known to all. These leaders can no longer take common people for a ride. Their eccentric approach has exposed them yet again. Politicians are busy driving home a point that a common Kashmiri cannot survive if they continue to remain out of power.
It seems they are unaware about the ground reality i.e. people are no more interested in their theatrics and dramas. They have understood that these leaders are toothless tigers and their only aim is to somehow sniff the power again.
It is imperative that the electorate remains vigilant, demanding leaders who genuinely prioritize public welfare over personal gain, to pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future for Kashmir.
The writer writes on Politics, Defence , and strategic affairs and is presently heads International centre for Peace Studies. He has authored many books on Kashmir .