NC to boycott Kashmir local body polls: Why hypocrisy is Farooq Abdullah’s favourite tool
The twists and turns in the politics of Kashmir are taking a new direction. The widening gap between many political allies, and no signs of government formation, is something that has put the people of the state in a quandary. Furthermore, the appointment of a new Governor has not pleased them at all.
And political parties are using new tools for their own sustainability. Those who earlier enjoyed power have become critics — and some seem to have become assassins. There are some capable leaders in Kashmir who should be welcomed, but their aspirations are being crushed — they are seen as a threat.
In this tinderbox situation, thanks are due to the Hon’ble Supreme Court, for adjourning the hearing of Article 35A. In my opinion, Article 35A is a weapon for extremist factions to disrupt things — the only job they are good at — and it is now being used by some mainstream politicians as well. They want to become Themistocles by misleading the people.
Farooq Abdullah, a former chief minister, is one among them. His tactics are familiar — he always jumps in, sparks a controversy, and then changes his statements around. These are indeed his tried-and-tested tactics.
Alongside, urban body and rural panchayat polls have been announced. I would consider this as a very welcome move, because elections represent the strength of a democracy. Now, indeed, was the time for the political parties of Kashmir to gear up for the task.
However, the National Conference has made it clear that they are boycotting the polls. The very same Farooq Abdullah had once urged people to actively take part in local body elections, stating: “Vote if you want a bright future for your children”.
Interestingly, earlier, he also had a very different stand on Article 35A; now, he has an entirely different take on such a tendentious issue.
What do we understand from all this?
There could be two reasons for the paradox — either, they are afraid of losing these polls, or just echoing Hurriyat propaganda to win over some naive people in Kashmir.
But we need to understand that we should not allow ourselves to become victims of this lip-service again and again. If he were a statesman, Farooq Abdullah would not dare to toy with the emotions and the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in this way.
But, if we go deep into the history of Kashmir, the truth is, Farooq Abdullah has always been a Delhi man. So, I wonder why isn’t he in sync with Delhi this time? A possible reason is that when he is power, Delhi is good; when he is not in power, Delhi is a mess.
In 1996, when there was a mass boycott of Assembly elections, Abdullah defied the odds and became the chief minister. He didn’t fear militancy at that time — then why is he scared of the situation right now? Or is he just pretending? Isn’t all of this hypocrisy? Why is he misleading the people?
It is high time the people of Kashmir demanded answers of politicians like this.
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