Eventually, Kashmiri politics is heading towards a major shift which is poised to give this region respect, honour, peace and prosperity. Let the people and parties who are elected to power stay true to their promises and stick to their manifestoes to show forward a way and ensure honourable existence for their people.

After the abrogation of Article 370, Kashmir witnessed a significant shift in its political landscape. The abrogation was a real dent in the aspirations of the people and a betrayal unforgettable. It created a sense of helplessness and suppressed anger with limited, or no routes for expression.
This resulted in the dynamics between militancy, insurgency, pro-freedom leaders, and mainstream politics having been altered, thereby; leaving only one option for people to choose and that is silence.
A sense of disillusionment prevails among the people as both those who opt for militancy and those who choose mainstream politics seem to be left with nothing but broken promises and shattered dreams and hopelessness where no way and person seems trustworthy.
Although the Central Government seemingly tried hard to win the trust of the people but it was hard for the majority to do. The sense of betrayal refuses to go and it seems hard for the people to trust anybody, any leader holding the reins of power at the Centre and those at the Union Territory Level.
But it seemed to have failed to win the trust of the people and win the people over towards the political executive at the centre. In fact, the level and extent of betrayal was such that people couldn’t trust anybody, party or leader.
The politics that is played after the abrogation of Article, 370 is filled with betrayal and is an extension of the earlier betrayal in the eyes of the people. It lacks principles, ethics and morals according to the same people.
People know the tactics and the intentions and in the state instructions they have been pushed they find it hard even to trust the sincere people-centric politicians and leaders. This is a great loss as far as the politics of a region, country or nation is concerned. Somehow, the trust of the people needs to be regained. The political parties of the region seem to be actively involved towards that end.
The National Conference has a support base which stays true to it despite the betrayals that this party has committed against those people and the people at large. But, that is not enough to gain power and regain the trust of the people at large. The party needs to prove to the people that it means business and it is concerned about that business, business of the interests of the people.
The party face in the Srinagar Parliamentary Consistency Aga Ruhulla is one such leader who can be a vital force for the party to show a way and win over the people to their side. If the voting of this constituency is any indication it seems he has regained some trust perhaps to the extent necessary to win this seat.
About the ongoing elections in Kashmir, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) emerges as a prominent contender in the Anantnag Rajouri and Central Kashmir constituencies. Waheed ur Rehman Para, a dedicated and passionate candidate of the PDP, is poised to make a significant impact in the electoral arena and if all goes well he may end up winning this seat if the participation of people in the election is an indication.
The support for PDP reflects a desire for change and a belief in the leadership capabilities of the party members. It seems, people are not taking this party as a lesser evil but their primary preference and choice.
Mehbooba Mufti stands out as a resilient figure in Kashmiri politics, continuously addressing the issues plaguing the region. Despite facing challenges that led to the temporary decline of her party, Mufti demonstrated courage and resilience by rallying her party cadre and garnering support from the people. Her unwavering commitment to the welfare of Kashmiris has solidified her position as a key leader who advocates for the rights and aspirations of the populace.
The Peoples Democratic Party which seemed damaged and decimated, on account of this party’s historical blunder of joining the BJP in the coalition irrespective of the intentions of the party, is emerging from the morass with high moral courtesy the way of politics that Mufti has played over the years after the abrogation of the article 370.
Also, the role that is being played by the Party Candidate for the Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency, Waheed ul Rehman Parra is eminent. He has personally suffered and sacrificed a great deal towards that end. He has worked a great deal and is still working to make the party win in the elections.
In succinct, the General Elections to Lok Sabha, 2024 are being held with people having been left with no option but to choose candidates of their choice, or at least to choose the lesser evil. Literally, it is imperative for the people to fill the space politics with candidates who are trustworthy, honest and people-centric. These elections are a litmus test for the residents of Kashmir to shape their future.
Indications from the Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency are that they have made wise choices and it is going to be Aga Rahullah or Waheed ul Rehman Parra who will win the seat. By all means an expedient and prudent choice.
Eventually, Kashmiri politics is heading towards a major shift which is poised to give this region respect, honour, peace and prosperity. Let the people and parties who are elected to power stay true to their promises and stick to their manifestoes to show forward a way and ensure honourable existence for their people.
The writer can be reached at [email protected]

Arshad Khan