The civic elections in Jammu and Kashmir are on in phases since October, lasting up to December 11. Predictably, the polling is heavy in the Jammu region, while it is lowest in the Kashmir region. The urban body polls are over and the polls to panchayats are currently underway, the processes involving an electorate of over 58 lakh. Democracy is having its say, with notable if’s and buts. With the electorate in the Valley largely keeping off the polls, elections will have only limited legitimacy. At the same time, that this much is happening is proof that Kashmir is not a lost cause yet.
The state had not seen regular polls due to the militancy, threats from terrorists, and administrative problems. The present round of civic polls remained postponed since 2016 due to the spurt in militancy following the extermination of young militant commander Burhan Wani. The efforts by the BJP-PDP government to hold elections did not progress smoothly. The imposition of President’s Rule there led to the creation of conditions suiting the present polls.
Threats from militants are the main reason for the poor voter turnout in Kashmir region. Yet, notable is the fact that the process is progressing with participation of the people even in the Valley. The final round of the polls is to take place on December 11. The process would be completed on December 17 and results declared thereafter.
The fate of Kashmir’s progress despite the continued sway of separatists backed by Pakistan is tied to the ongoing civic polls. Since there was no civic polls since 2011 – when too, polls were held after a gap of 10 years – the state stood to lose financially. For instance, the over Rs 4,000 crore earmarked for the local bodies in the state for spending between the years 2015 and 2020 could not be availed due to the lack of formation of new elected bodies. In a state where militancy has already taken a huge toll on development process, this remained as an added jolt. The funds would be freed up once the new civic bodies are in place.
The fight is between the Congress and the BJP this time, as the regional parties like the PDP and the National Conference are boycotting the elections. So too are small entities like the CPI(M). Kashmir is a sensitive case, a festering wound. It is important that political parties collectively push the national cause and heal this wound.