People reject separatists, vote in large numbers
The high 71 per cent voter turnout in the first phase of Assembly election in 15 constituencies that went to poll on Tuesday in Jammu & Kashmir is a resounding victory for democracy and for the mainstream political parties and leaders who motivated the people to cast their franchise. Equally resounding, it is a slap on the face of separatists and their sympathisers who had called upon the voters to boycott the election. Separatists are now going around saying that they had actually suggested a “100 per cent boycott”, failing which the people were free to vote! Those owing allegiance to hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani are claiming that the large turnout was because their leader had asked people to vote in order to foil attempts by the Bharatiya Janata Party in Kashmir valley. They appear to forget that the people had contemptuously dismissed his calls to boycott earlier elections, and they did not, therefore, this time need his endorsement to cast their mandate. The voters of the State, and definitely of the valley, are disgusted with the shenanigans of the separatists who neither enjoy the support of the masses nor do they have anything much to offer the citizens beyond hate-filled rhetoric against India. None of the separatists claiming to represent the people has had the courage to contest elections because all of them fear defeat and complete exposure as fake representatives. They have, therefore, limited themselves to perpetrating unrest and violence in their bid to remain relevant. Regardless of which party wins the State election, it is clear that the separatists and their threats of violence have lost. The high voter turnout should make the mainstream parties, particularly those that are Jammu & Kashmir-based, to realise that nothing is gained by pampering these separatist elements. Unfortunately, quite a few of the mainstream leaders have in the past demonstrated a willingness to cater to the whims and fancies of these discredited men. The Tuesday trend will also be welcomed by former separatists who have shown an inclination to join the mainstream. In addition, the turnout effectively blunts the criticism that elections in Jammu & Kashmir never truly reflect the people’s wishes since the number of voters who come out is only a small fraction of the total voting population. This may have arguably been the case years ago, but the allegation is no longer valid.
The enthusiastic response is all the more creditworthy given that the State is still reeling in the aftermath of the massive floods which devastated the valley and Jammu. Many people continue to live in shelter camps, and relief and rehabilitation work is underway. That they should have set aside their personal woes and come to the polling booths is a demonstration of their faith in the country’s democratic system. It also indicates a strong desire for change and the soaring of hope among the people of the State. The Omar Abdullah Government can well seek to brush off the fear of change by saying that the voting figure does not necessarily reflect on his party’s impending doom. But it is generally accepted that high turnouts are bad for an incumbent regime, especially one which is seen to be facing popular disquiet of the people.