Mohmad Husain Lone
In a democracy, elected representatives are meant to serve the people, address grievances, and drive development. But in Jammu & Kashmir, politics has turned into a grand magic show—where MLAs appear before elections with folded hands and humble smiles, only to vanish into thin air once the votes are counted.
They make promises that sound like poetry—roads that will be paved with gold, schools that will rival the Ivy League, and jobs that will rain down like monsoon showers. But as history has shown, reality hits differently. Once in power, their commitment to the people fades faster than their election posters.
The Election Season Drama: Before and After
Election campaigns in J&K are an art form. The candidates master the role of the ‘people’s leader,’ making rounds in villages, sharing tea in mud houses, and delivering emotional speeches about their struggles (which, oddly, always end after elections).
Before Elections:
✔ “We will bring world-class infrastructure!” (Translation: A pothole-filled road will be renamed ‘Smart Street’.)
✔ “Employment for every youth!” (Translation: Jobs will be given, but only to our nephews and in-laws.)
✔ “We will be always available to listen to your grievances!” (Translation: If you can track us down between foreign trips and VIP lounges.)
After Elections:
❌ Phone calls? Ignored.
❌ Public complaints? Labeled as “opposition propaganda.”
❌ Development? Visible only in lengthy speeches, not on the ground.
❌ Corruption? Thrives, now with better networking.
MLAs turn into rare creatures, harder to spot than the snow leopards of Ladakh. Constituencies become ghost towns, and the only development seen is in their personal assets.
MLAs: Public Servants or Royalty?
The political culture of J&K has successfully redefined the term ‘public service.’ Here, it means self-service, family welfare, and VIP culture.
1. The Great Disappearing Act
Before elections, they promise to be “one among the people.” After elections, they are “one among the privileged.” Constituents trying to reach their MLA experience what feels like an attempt to contact a lost astronaut in deep space.
2. Nepotism at Its Finest
Party workers who slog day and night get nothing. Family members who barely know the constituency suddenly land government contracts, high-profile jobs, and key political positions. ‘Public service’ has been rebranded as ‘Family Business Inc.’
3. Development – The Myth
When MLAs speak, J&K sounds like Dubai. When you visit, it looks like a forgotten town from a history book. Roads remain in ruins, hospitals function without doctors, and unemployment reaches record highs—yet, every election, they sell the same promises with fresh packaging.
4. The Double Standards of Power
When in opposition, they scream about corruption. When in power, they fine-tune the art. Government contracts mysteriously land in the hands of “well-connected” individuals, while public money is spent on luxuries instead of necessities.
What a Real MLA Should Look Like (If One Ever Appears)
A Leader, Not a Phantom – Someone who actually visits their constituency after elections.
No More Family-First Politics – Jobs, opportunities, and benefits should be based on merit, not surnames.
Public Money for Public Good – Less spending on luxury cars, more spending on roads, schools, and hospitals.
Grassroots Leadership – Empower the youth and local leaders instead of keeping power locked within dynasties.
A Message to MLAs: The People Are Watching
Dear MLAs,
✔ Your power is borrowed, not permanent.
✔ If you betray the people, the next election will be your last.
✔ Your luxury will mean nothing when history writes your name under ‘failed leaders.’
✔ Serve honestly, or prepare for political extinction.
A Message to the People: Enough Is Enough
The voters of J&K must stop falling for the same scripted drama. It’s time to:
Vote based on performance, not empty slogans.
Demand accountability at every stage.
Expose corruption without fear.
Reject those who treat power as personal property.
Final Words: The People Must Rise
Jammu & Kashmir has suffered enough from political deception. It’s time to remind MLAs that their job is to serve, not rule. If they fail, they must be replaced—because democracy belongs to the people, not power-hungry politicians.
The future of J&K is in the hands of its people. The only question is: Will we demand change, or continue accepting betrayal?
Note: Mohmad Husain Lone is a journalist and political analyst focused on governance and accountability. Reach him at husainamin13@gmail.com | +91 9797871248.
