M.I.Wani
In Jammu and Kashmir, politics often serves as a sanctuary for the corrupt, a refuge for opportunists, and a revolving door for those who exploit public trust. The cases of Asgar Ali and Dr. Karnail Singh are glaring examples of how the power corridors have been infiltrated by individuals with tainted records, exposing the systemic rot in the region’s political framework.
The Asgar Ali Case: Rewarding Corruption
Asgar Ali, a bureaucrat-turned-politician, became the poster child for corruption during the Panchayat Electrification Scam. The scam, which occurred under the tenure of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s government, involved fraudulent withdrawals for electrifying Panchayat Ghars in South Kashmir. The funds meant for rural development were siphoned off, depriving villages of basic infrastructure and deepening public distrust in the administration. Ali was rightly dismissed from his bureaucratic position, a rare instance of accountability in J&K’s governance.
However, the story took a sharp turn when Ali resurfaced as a politician. In a dramatic move, the PDP not only welcomed him into its fold but rewarded him with an MLC seat. The induction happened during a grand rally in Kishtwar, where the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed himself presided. The opposition, particularly the National Conference (NC), pounced on the opportunity, accusing the PDP of hypocrisy and betraying its own anti-corruption stance. Yet, the PDP brushed aside the criticism, proving that in the game of power, principles often take a back seat to political expediency.
Dr. Karnail Singh and the NC’s Dilemma
Fast forward to recent times, and the National Conference finds itself in a similar quagmire. Dr. Karnail Singh, the alleged kingpin of the JKPSI recruitment scam, was granted bail and wasted no time aligning himself with the NC. His entry into the party created a firestorm, with viral photos of his induction triggering outrage on social media. Critics were quick to draw parallels with the Asgar Ali episode, accusing the NC of abandoning its moral high ground. The party’s silence on the matter has only added fuel to the fire.
The JKPSI scam involved leaking examination papers for police sub-inspector positions, a move that not only undermined the recruitment process but also shattered the dreams of deserving candidates. Singh’s actions struck at the heart of a system already plagued by nepotism and favoritism. His subsequent political rehabilitation by the NC is a grim reminder of how easily ethical considerations are sacrificed at the altar of political ambition.
Political Washing Machines for the Corrupt
A troubling reality in J&K politics is how corrupt individuals manage to “cleanse” their tainted records by joining mainstream political parties like the PDP and NC. These parties, often acting as “political washing machines,” sanitize the public image of such individuals in exchange for hefty contributions to party funds. The lure of money often outweighs any commitment to ethics or governance.
Whether it’s Asgar Ali, allegedly using his wealth amassed through the Panchayat Electrification Scam, or Dr. Karnail Singh, benefitting from the spoils of the JKPSI scam, the pattern is consistent. The corrupt find a way into political parties by offering financial contributions, and in return, these parties provide them with a platform to regain legitimacy.
For the PDP and NC, the promise of party funds appears to trump any concerns about public perception or long-term consequences. This unholy alliance between corrupt individuals and political parties not only undermines governance but also sends a dangerous message that money can buy both power and respectability.
A Pattern of Betrayal
The cases of Asgar Ali and Dr. Karnail Singh are not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern that has defined Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape for decades. Corrupt individuals, driven by their lust for power and wealth, have consistently found ways to infiltrate political parties. These parties, in turn, have welcomed them with open arms, turning a blind eye to their misdeeds in exchange for political gain.
Both the PDP and the NC, despite their ideological differences, share a common track record of accommodating such individuals. When the PDP inducted Asgar Ali, the NC unleashed scathing criticism, portraying itself as a bastion of integrity. Yet, when the tables turned, and the NC embraced Dr. Karnail Singh, the PDP gleefully returned the favor, exposing the mutual hypocrisy that defines their political rivalry.
This cycle of opportunism has rendered manifestos and promises meaningless. Development, welfare, and good governance remain hollow slogans, parroted during election campaigns but abandoned once power is secured. For the common voter, the result is the same: unfulfilled promises, stagnant progress, and a deepening sense of disillusionment.
The Cost of Political Opportunism
The fallout of this political patronage extends far beyond the reputations of individual parties. It erodes public trust in democratic institutions, discourages honest individuals from entering politics, and perpetuates a culture of impunity. When corrupt figures like Asgar Ali and Dr. Karnail Singh are rewarded instead of punished, it sends a clear message: integrity has no place in J&K’s political system.
Moreover, the constant flip-flopping of criticism between the PDP and NC highlights another troubling reality: both parties benefit from each other’s misdeeds. One’s scandal provides cover for the other’s opportunism, creating a vicious cycle that leaves voters trapped in a system that prioritizes power over public service. As one party falls from grace, the other steps in to occupy the same flawed space, perpetuating a never-ending loop of betrayal and broken promises.
No Remedy for the Common Voter
For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the situation is dire. The issues that truly matter—unemployment, poor infrastructure, lack of development—are sidelined in favor of political theatrics and opportunism. Corruption scandals dominate headlines, but accountability remains elusive. Meanwhile, the common voter is left to bear the brunt of a system that consistently fails to deliver.
Both the PDP and NC have had ample opportunities to prove their commitment to good governance, but their actions tell a different story. Instead of prioritizing the welfare of the people, they have turned politics into a game of self-preservation and power consolidation. The promises they make during elections are quickly forgotten, replaced by a relentless pursuit of influence and wealth.
Breaking the Cycle
The cases of Asgar Ali and Dr. Karnail Singh should serve as a wake-up call for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. As the region grapples with its future, it is imperative to demand accountability from those in power. Political parties must be held to higher standards, and voters must reject candidates with tainted records, no matter which party they represent.
Until the cycle of corruption and political patronage is broken, the dream of a prosperous and just Jammu and Kashmir will remain out of reach. It is time for the people to take a stand, to demand leaders who prioritize public service over personal gain, and to hold parties accountable for their actions. The road ahead is challenging, but the stakes are too high to ignore. The future of Jammu and Kashmir depends on it.
