How Sajad Lone has badly frightened the old politicians of Kashmir
I believe that dynasty politics is no different from dictatorship.
The tidings from Jammu and Kashmir about government formation are not surprising. Ever since the collapse of the PDP-BJP alliance in June this year, the situation gave birth to a new force and an alternative to the major established political parties. This alternative, and its leaders, took on the dynasty politicians.
I believe that dynasty politics is no different from dictatorship.
The likes of Imran Reza Ansari and other senior PDP leaders joined this third emerging regional party, the Peoples Conference (PC), led by Sajad Gani Lone. On Tuesday, senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and co-founder, Muzzafar Hussain Baig, also hinted at joining Sajad Lone’s camp; he is also a sitting PDP MP in the Lok Sabha.
It was a major setback for Mehbooba Mufti’s party.
The rising of a third force is seen as succour and relief by people in Kashmir, but it was not welcomed by the older regional parties, the NC and the PDP — the emergence of a third front is seen by them as a grave threat.
The National Conference, PDP and the Congress coming together now to claim government formation was a well-planned conspiracy to keep the emerging contenders at bay — if the so-called ‘grand alliance’ was to happen, why did they not come forward in 2014, to keep the BJP away?
There was speculation over months that Sajad Gani Lone could be the new Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, backed by rebels MLAs and in alliance with the BJP. However, this unexpected move by the National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party and Congress was a blow out of the water. The two arch rivals, National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party, joining hands to claim government formation depicts a true picture of power hierarchy — the trio were trying to stop the BJP from government formation. This undermines the people of Jammu who have voted for the BJP and won it 25 seats from Jammu region. They are chosen by the people. So, why can’t the BJP become a part of the J&K government?
On Thursday, late evening, Mehbooba Mufti sent a letter to the Governor to stake a claim in government formation. Right after her letter, Sajad Lone didn’t sit back — he sent a letter to Raj Bhavan over Whatsapp to claim his stake.
Within an hour of this power game, with both the leaders making claims about government formation, the Governor chose to dissolve the Assembly. The PDP and NC had earlier stressed on dissolving the Assembly, rather than claiming to be part of the government before. I argue that this 'grand alliance' move was a pressure tactic to get the Assembly dissolved, for they couldn’t see someone rising above them. It was simply foul play.
Now, the state of Jammu and Kashmir will go for President’s Rule; it will also gear up for fresh elections to be held next year. It’s a moment both the NC and PDP were dying for ever since the rise of Sajad Lone. It is clear that Sajad Lone has emerged as a potent political leader and a vibrant competitor in Jammu and Kashmir politics. His party swayed the urban body and panchayat polls across Kashmir. He filled the political vacuum lying there for decades. He is a capable leader, unorthodox and has a vision for Jammu and Kashmir, especially in these troubled times. It is a victory for Sajad Gani Lone — and it is worth watching this battle to take on this lone man, for which three major establishments had to unite.
This is the beginning of his political career and he has a long way to go. Sajad Lone must remain confident. Let’s hope that Kashmir witnesses a new era of politics and leadership, with equal opportunities and space for its new, emerging leaders.