The message in the verdict
Hari Jaisingh

ALTHOUGH the verdict of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the assembly poll has not been decisive in terms of a single-party formation of government, its message is sharp, candid and truthfully transparent. It symbolises the most shining example of the democratic spirit of the free world. What better authentic proof the world community could have asked for than the one provided by the militancy-weary people who exercised their franchise under the shelling of Pakistan's dictatorial regime and amidst bullets and grenades of its agents operating in the state with the sole objective of disrupting the electoral process and forcing the voters to keep indoors? The four-phase electoral exercise was conducted under the most bizarre and hazardous conditions. This open defiance of the gun is a tribute to the people who gave the world live glimpses of a free, fair and fearless poll. The entire nation must salute the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their guts and courageous display of enthusiasm for democracy. A noteworthy aspect of the election scene was the demonstration of women power. They voted in large numbers and led the way in generating a new wave of awareness in the state.

The people's message is crystal clear. One, politics and politicians cannot thrive on gimmicks, false promises, non-governance and non-performance. The people's anger against Dr Farooq Abdullah and his National Conference government is very much evident. It is a pity that the NC leader tried to take shelter under the youthful credentials of his son, Mr Omar Abdullah, and virtually made him a sacrificial goat at the hustings. Of course, the junior Abdullah is not to be written off. But he cannot grow under the shadow of his father. He has to regain the people's confidence on the strength of his own calibre, merit and commitment to the people's well-being.

Two, the performance of the BJP is dismal. Even in the Jammu region, which has been its traditional stronghold, the party has done badly. Unfortunately, the open differences with the RSS apart, the BJP leadership seems to have lost its fire for providing a clean and purposeful administration. It has acquired all the ills that the Congress suffered from once. The BJP has grown soft and this was very much reflected by the fact that most of its top leaders in New Delhi stayed away from the dangerous poll arena, particularly in militancy-infested areas. What happened to their guts and their courage of conviction? What can be a sadder spectacle than to see the Prime Minister overseas instead of communicating with the electorate at home? He could have been very effective by visiting the state. This is being said more in sorrow than as a commentary on Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, who has done his best to keep up the country's liberal and secular image abroad. What needs to be realised is that the bright image overseas can only be sustained on the basis of good house-keeping.

Three, the Congress has definitely done fairly well, but the verdict advantage accruing to it needs to be seen as a negative vote in its favour. However, it must be said to the credit of its party president, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, that she showed real guts by addressing the election rally in the sensitive Srinagar area. However, the real test of the Congress begins now. If it commits the same mistake by picking up a wrong person for the post of Chief Minister, that will be tragic. Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad, who has never faced the electorate, may appear to be "a General" to Ms Ambika Soni. But if the Congress is guided by narrow party angularities then this may not be to its advantage in a larger and longer perspective.

Four, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Independents have given a very impressive performance. They hold the key in government-making. A number of new persons are noteworthy, including Ms Mehbooba Mufti who talked freely and fearlessly against the corrupt practices of the NC regime. Ms Mehbooba is the real find of the people in the valley. She possesses remarkable leadership qualities which should help her to go high in the state politics.

The verdict may be mixed, but it has to be implemented in letter and spirit. A lot will depend on how different leaders conduct themselves. The Central government should also take a broader view of the results and help the process so that the people's representatives are not denied justice and a fair deal.

Jammu and Kashmir is once again at the crossroads. The people have rejected the bullet in favour of the ballot. It is the duty of all democratic-minded people to work for the fulfilment of the people's dream by ensuring good governance and an equitable share in the state's economic growth and prosperity. The people's will has to be honoured and respected in good faith. For that matter, every Indian citizen should derive satisfaction from the fact that the democratic path is the right choice not only to frustrate Pakistan's evil designs but also to promote secular and democratic values that are part of India's civilisational traditions. What is needed now is to learn a few lessons from history so as not to repeat the mistakes. This is in the interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and India as a whole.