By The Way Who’s Interest Are You Serving?
By Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Bhat
24 May, 2016
Countercurrents.org
Though I am not much interested in politics but still my ideas and reflections are shaped and modified by political affairs of the state. After 2014, assembly elections Bahrtiya Janta Party (BJP) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) entered into what both the political parties call “Holy Alliance” and ‘unholy alliance’ to many, particular to ‘separatists’ camp. The alliance between ‘ideologically’ different parties was surprising for the common masses not because of ideological difference of two parties but due to brutal attack on each other during election campaign. Both the parties tried to mobilize voters by attacking ideology of each other, with BJP equating them (PDP) with separatists in their strong hold Jammu and PDP comparing them with saffron terror in their strong hold Kashmir. Late Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Syed, termed the alliance historic and called it alliance between North and South Pole.
The very beginning of the alliance was very noisy – initial days of the coalition government were buzz with the debate over the working and future of the government. This was followed by much hyped event rather a drama - Masrat Aalam Drama. The drama kept every one engaged, it become super hit not in the state of Jammu and Kashmir but all over India. However, this was followed by a lull- a lull unexpected and unpredicted. The whole government was looking in hibernate. The only impression of government in the state was given by three Ministers, Naeem Akhter, Syed Altaf Bukhari and Lal Singh. Lal Singh and Naeem mostly remained over scene and lime light for their controversial acts and activities while as Syed Altaf Bukhari remained dominant for his energetic, reformative measures. He was discussed by the people across the state for his brave and people friendly activities and this brought him much near to Mufti Mohammad Syed. His local darbars (meetings with people) with common masses made him popular among the people despite he was first time representing the people and actively involved in politics.
However, clouds of uncertainty and chaos suddenly enveloped the state with sudden and unfortunate death of Mufti Mohammad Syed. The State remained under Governor’s Rule for more than two months with political impasse, uncertainty and chaos. Most of the rumors and political uncertainties were set to rest with Mehbooba Mufti daughter of Mufti Syed sworn 9th Chief Minister of the state. Never the less dropping Syed Altaf Bukhari, from cabinet gave birth to new debate and raised many questions. Some supporters of Mehbooba Mufti, hurriedly compared the decision with her leadership qualities and strong massage to “cheaters”. All the same the decision raised many questions on the maturity, leadership, democracy of Mehbooba. Many people argued that Mehbooba is controlled by few senior leaders of the party who were not happy with Altaf Bukhari and have some personal grudges. They also questioned Mehbooba’s trust on senior party leader, Tariq Hameed Karra who every day changes his statement and stand. The argument of the people who argue that she (CM) has given clear and sound message to MLA’s and Ministers, that any kind of “indiscipline” is intolerable falls short of syllogism. Firstly, allegation leveled against Bukhari, have not been never proven. Things may have stood by the argument had facts and observations not been revealing opposite. What massage has been given to Sajjad Gani Lone sahib, who has not assumed charges of his Ministry over dissatisfaction of portfolios portfolio? What happen to her tough stand? The question is not whether Bukhari, should be inducted to cabinet or not but whose interest you are serving since you have assumed powers? The question is about good governance and people friendly policies.
The two months records since she (CM) assumed office shows no change on the ground. There seems addition to the problems and issues of common masses. Whether it is of Handwara incident, molestation of a college girl, killing of innocent people, and illegal detention of the girl, new industrial policies, separate colonies for Pandits or Sainik colonies –all raise one question- the question whose interest you are serving?
Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, is a student of Sociology, social activist and currently teach Sociology at Government Degree College, Sumbal Sonawari, Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.Dr Fayaz is working on new concepts and terms like mal-education, Hidden steering, self syndrome, Multi grade holding, Islamic lag, , Educational Shephered, Disappearance of daughters and Triple burden