The people of Jammu and Kashmir didn’t vote expecting miracles—they’ve seen enough of those promised over decades. Instead, their votes reflected a pragmatic choice: replacing a faceless bureaucratic regime that ran the region like landlords, indifferent to tenant grievances. The trauma of August 2019’s constitutional upheaval hasn’t faded; this election was a symbolic act of disapproval. But in the political circus that follows, one wonders: will this choice bring genuine change or merely swap actors for a new performance of the same tired script?
Special Status: The Elephant in the Assembly
The National Conference (NC)-led government came to power trumpeting its manifesto promise: the restoration of special status under Articles 370 and 35-A. Grand words, lofty intentions—but let’s cut through the noise. The legislative resolution they passed to fulfill this promise is little more than symbolic chest-thumping. Even the Chief Minister, to his credit, has acknowledged the harsh truth: the architects of the 2019 changes are not about to undo their work.
The resolution is likely to gather dust in the Lieutenant Governor’s office, a paper tiger in the forest of realpolitik. It’s governance as performance art—offering the masses rhetoric while knowing the script leads nowhere.
Statehood: The Mirage That Beckons
Then there’s the promise of statehood, another carrot dangled before the electorate. The government wasted no time passing a resolution for this too, dutifully forwarding it to Delhi. And there it likely remains, buried in a file labeled “To Be Ignored.”
Statehood has become the region’s perennial mirage—tantalizing but always out of reach. It’s a convenient promise: perpetually unfulfilled yet endlessly renewable for the next election cycle.
The Centre: Partner or Puppet Master?
Navigating the government’s relationship with the Centre is another tightrope act. The Chief Minister’s recent visits to Delhi and cordial meetings with central leaders reveal a calculated strategy: maintain a façade of harmony while placating local frustrations with grand declarations. It’s a balancing act, but one can’t help but wonder how long he can keep it up before the contradictions catch up.
Manifesto Promises: Mountains Out of Molehills
Ah, the manifesto—a political love letter to voters. Promises are easy to make on the campaign trail, but delivering them requires more than fiery speeches. Without substantial support from the Centre, many pledges remain castles built on sand.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir are no strangers to empty words; they’ve seen plenty before. But patience wears thin, and the new government is running on borrowed time.
A Government Between Two Rocks
The Chief Minister’s volte-face is a case study in political survival. Once adamant about not contesting elections until statehood was restored, he now presides over a government born from those very elections. Call it pragmatism or opportunism—it’s a reminder that principles often bend under the weight of realpolitik. Now, he must reconcile his party’s expectations with voters’ demands—all while ensuring Delhi doesn’t pull the plug on funding or support.
Focus on the Possible: A Call for Practicality
Given the impossibility of immediate statehood or special status, the government would do well to focus on what it can control. Public service delivery—electricity, roads, water, and waste management—offers tangible avenues for improvement.
The Public Services Guarantee (PSG) Act is a valuable tool that could hold officials accountable and improve governance. However, it requires sustained effort and political will. Similarly, the announcement of a grievance redressal cell is promising—if it avoids becoming a ceremonial black hole where complaints go to die. Proper implementation, robust online platforms, and regular public hearings could transform citizen engagement.
Digital Governance: All Hype, No Substance?
The Lieutenant Governor’s administration laid the groundwork for e-governance, but digital tools are only as effective as those operating them. The Chief Minister, reportedly tech-savvy, has an opportunity to lead by example. An efficient e-office could symbolize transparency and efficiency, but without systemic reforms, even the best technology can only mask deeper inefficiencies.
The Treasure Trove of Central Schemes
Central welfare schemes launched since 2014 hold immense potential for Jammu and Kashmir. Yet their implementation has been lackluster at best. The new government could bridge gaps in coverage, ensuring these schemes reach those who need them most. It’s an opportunity to not just mend past oversights but also secure additional funding by demonstrating competence. The question is whether the government has the will—or the skill—to seize this opportunity.
PPP and NGOs: Untapped Resources
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and NGO collaborations are innovative ways to address resource constraints. Engaging NGOs and self-help groups could bring grassroots participation into governance, making it more inclusive and effective. But these partnerships require trust and initiative—qualities historically scarce in the region’s administration.
Policy Overhaul: The Need of the Hour
Outdated policies have long hobbled Jammu and Kashmir’s progress. A modern housing policy promoting vertical development could address land shortages. Skilling initiatives could prepare youth for employment, both within and outside the region. Environmental conservation, tourism development, and simplified business regulations demand urgent attention. The real question: will the new government take bold steps or hide behind incrementalism?
A Culture of Compliance: A Two-Way Street
For governance to improve, rule-following must become a societal norm. At the same time, the administration must simplify rules to make compliance feasible. Streamlining bureaucratic processes and promoting ease of doing business could transform the region’s economic landscape. However, cultural shifts require time and unwavering commitment—from both the government and the people.
The Final Act: Hope Meets Cynicism
Jammu and Kashmir’s new government faces monumental challenges, caught between the electorate’s expectations and the Centre’s indifference. While some initiatives show promise, broader aspirations remain shackled by systemic constraints and political realities.
For now, the government’s greatest accomplishment is not being the previous administration. Whether that will suffice to retain public trust—or merely mark another chapter in a long history of disappointment—remains to be seen.
