The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has been shaped by a series of contentious elections that have left indelible marks on the region’s history. Among these, the elections of 1957 and 1962 stand out, not merely for the outcomes but for the manner in which they were conducted under the shadow of state manipulation. The term “Khaliq-made MLAs” became a notorious reference to the candidates who were declared winners not by popular vote but by the bureaucratic machinations of Abdul Khaliq, a deputy commissioner under the regime of Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad. The rigging and manipulation of elections became an accepted norm in the region, setting a precedent that would echo tragically in the infamous 1987 elections, where Congress and the National Conference (NC) played equally deceptive roles.
Khaliq-Made Elections: The Beginning of a Malpractice
The 1957 assembly elections were a critical juncture in Jammu and Kashmir’s political evolution. Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad, who had succeeded Sheikh Abdullah after his dismissal and arrest, was keen to consolidate his power. To ensure an unchallenged victory, Bakshi’s regime, through Abdul Khaliq, systematically disqualified the nomination papers of opposition candidates. As a result, 35 out of 43 seats in the Valley were won uncontested by the National Conference. This brazen act of electoral manipulation was replicated in the 1962 elections, where similar tactics were employed to secure another victory for the ruling party.
The term “Khaliq-made MLAs” became part of the local lexicon, symbolizing a deep-seated cynicism towards the electoral process. Despite the widespread mockery and disdain for such tactics, the political establishment of Jammu and Kashmir seemed undeterred, perpetuating a culture of electoral fraud that would have devastating consequences in the decades to come.
1987 Elections: A Watershed Moment
The rigged elections of 1987 are widely considered a watershed moment in the political history of Jammu and Kashmir. Unlike the earlier “Khaliq-made” elections, which were largely a product of state-level manipulations, the 1987 elections involved a broader alliance of interests, including the Indian National Congress and the National Conference. These elections were seen as a critical moment for the region, with the potential to either integrate the populace into the Indian democratic framework or further alienate them.
However, the elections of 1987 were marred by widespread allegations of rigging, violence, and intimidation. The Muslim United Front (MUF), a coalition of Islamic parties, emerged as a formidable opposition force, tapping into the growing discontentment among the populace. The MUF’s strong performance in the run-up to the elections created a sense of urgency within the Congress-NC alliance, leading to a concerted effort to ensure their defeat by any means necessary.
The manipulation of the 1987 elections was not limited to disqualifications and bureaucratic interference as seen in the Khaliq-made elections. This time, it extended to blatant tampering with ballot boxes, preventing opposition voters from reaching polling stations, and arresting key opposition leaders on the eve of the elections. The outcome was a foregone conclusion: the Congress-NC alliance won a significant majority, while the MUF, despite its popularity, was left with only a handful of seats.
The Deceptive Role of Congress and NC
The Congress-NC alliance’s role in the 1987 elections was particularly deceptive because it not only undermined the democratic process but also exploited the complex socio-political dynamics of the region. The National Conference, led by Farooq Abdullah, positioned itself as the custodian of Kashmiri identity, while Congress, under the leadership of Rajiv Gandhi, sought to maintain its influence in the strategically important state.
The alliance between Congress and NC was rooted in a shared desire to suppress any political force that could challenge their dominance. The MUF’s rise threatened the established order, not only because of its religious overtones but also because it represented a genuine political alternative for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. By rigging the elections, the Congress-NC alliance effectively silenced this alternative voice, leading to a sense of betrayal and disenfranchisement among the electorate.
The consequences of the 1987 elections were far-reaching. The disenfranchisement and frustration that followed the rigged elections provided fertile ground for the emergence of militancy in the Valley. Many of the young men who had campaigned for the MUF, disillusioned by the democratic process, took up arms, marking the beginning of an insurgency that would engulf the region for decades.
Legacy of Electoral Manipulation
The legacy of the 1987 elections continues to haunt Jammu and Kashmir. The sense of betrayal felt by the populace has never fully dissipated, and the scars of that electoral fraud remain visible in the region’s ongoing political instability. The term “Khaliq-made MLAs” may have originated in the 1957 and 1962 elections, but its underlying sentiment—of elections being mere formalities in the face of state power—was tragically reinforced in 1987.
The deceptive roles played by Congress and NC in these elections have had lasting implications. For Congress, it meant losing whatever moral high ground it might have claimed in the region. For the NC, it led to a crisis of legitimacy that continues to affect its political standing. Far from being the protectors of Kashmiri identity, the NC’s participation in the rigging of the 1987 elections positioned it as complicit in the very system that had long oppressed the people.
The history of electoral manipulation in Jammu and Kashmir is a tragic reminder of the costs of undermining democratic processes. From the “Khaliq-made MLAs” of the 1950s and 1960s to the rigged elections of 1987, each instance of electoral fraud has pushed the region further away from genuine political stability and peace. The deceptive roles played by Congress and NC in these elections have not only damaged their own credibility but have also contributed to the broader disillusionment with democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. As the region continues to grapple with its complex political challenges, the lessons of these rigged elections must not be forgotten. Only by acknowledging and addressing the past can a more just and democratic future be envisioned for Jammu and Kashmir.
