The encouraging percentage of polling in the three phases of DDC elections held in Jammu & Kashmir is a strong repository of trust by the voters in India’s democratic structure. Defying the ambience of fear created by Pakistan via terrorists and separatists, people of J&K voted vehemently. They also brushed aside health concerns emanating from biting cold and exercising of personal restraint on moving out due to the prevailing coronavirus pandemic.
Notably, the DDC elections are imperative for socio-economic and democratic development of J&K as this is the first major electoral exercise after revocation of Article 370 and 35A on August 05, last year. Hundreds of new faces have joined the fray, who otherwise would never have got a chance to dream big in presence of regressive laws like Article 370.
In the first phase, the polls were held from in 43 constituencies (out of total 280 seats in J&K). The encouraging turnout of 51.76% in the newly created Union Territory (in phase-1) is outright rejection of Pakistani propaganda and a huge setback to the nefarious designs of inimical elements who unsuccessfully tried to sow a lot of discard regarding the polls. What can be more disturbing and frustrating for rabble-rousers and ISI hawks is the way Kashmiris embraced these polls wholeheartedly. Kashmir region witnessed a voter turnout of 39.11% despite boycott calls by Pak sponsored separatists and terrorists. The peaceful passage of Phase -1 means the overall percentage in turnout would pick up in the remaining 7 phases.
In the similar vein, the phase 2 elections were held for 43 constituencies across the Union Territory. While the overall percentage at 48.62 was a bit low than phase-1, Jammu region recorded a sound 65.54% while Kashmir region registered a voting percentage of 33.34. Bandipora saw an overwhelming response recording a huge percentage of 69. 66% while Pulwama saw a comparatively disappointing turnout of 8%. However, the enthusiasm shown by Kashmiris for voting could be gauged by a 105-year-old woman turning up at the polling booth in Lalpora, Kunzer (Baramulla). Kashmir region went to polls in 25 constituencies while many candidates vied for glory in 18 constituencies of Jammu region. Political analysts in both the regions have welcomed the robust percentage of voting in the both the phases. While they sound sanguine on improvement in overall percentage in the coming 6 phases, the resilience and enthusiasm shown by people of J&K post abrogation of Article 370 and 35A is remarkable in their perspective. While naysayers had predicted a doom for the DDC elections, the voters in the newly created UT have given them a tight slap. Kashmir region has been severely damaged on the economic front by the Pak sponsored militancy, and this DDC election has silenced the war mongering voices across the border.
What does such an encouraging response tell us about the future proceedings of democratic means in Kashmir? There are many bright spots having emerged out of these polls so far. Peaceful conduct of phase-1 and phase-2 means vested interests have failed to break the strong security coordination of J&K police, army and CAPFs. Since the DDC polls are first major electoral exercise after revocation of article 370, all the global sensationalism created by Imran Khan came to a naught as educated youth saw a first time opportunity to step into those shoes which had been undemocratic-ally and unconstitutionally kept reserved by political dynasts for their posterity.
Hundreds of educated and unemployed youth in the Union Territory of J&K are vying for political glory in these polls. While the outcome will not shine upon all but the enthusiasm they’ve shown to strengthen democracy at the grass root level is exemplary. Pakistan backed elements in Kashmir attempted to create a fear psychosis in run up to the crucial polls. However, their nefarious designs were blunted by people of J&K themselves as they came out in large numbers to choose ballot over bullet.
Considering the earlier local body election turnout across the valley being in single digits, the overwhelming response in the current DDC elections being held after the abrogation of J&K’s special status under article 370 is a direct indicator of Kashmiris willingly accepting grass root democracy. The anti-India narrative propagated by Pakistan since August 05 2019 did ruffle many feathers in the security circles.
Not only did the people of J&K reject the Pakistani propaganda on these crucial polls but they beat expectations of everyone by hitting the polling booths despite the cold weather. While Pulwama was the sole exception of low turnout, apparently due to security issues, things however went off peacefully despite the South Kashmir district being the most infested with terrorism. The successful and peaceful conduct of phase-1 means the overall turnout percentage would pick up momentum in the remaining 6 phases. Places like Budgam with highest turnout of 57% act as catalyst for other areas in J-K as terrorists are off late investing lots of resources in reviving extremism in this Central Kashmir district.
Basking in the success of this political glory, the common Kashmiri has many reasons to rejoice. Strengthening both the infrastructure and democracy at the ground level is prerogative of those who were looking for opportunities to chip in with their contribution in nation building. Kashmiris have suffered enough owing to Pak backed terrorism since 1990s. It’s heartening to see them utilizing the opportunities available galore in the political arena. Let’s hope Kashmir witnesses a new dawn in the socio-economic sphere.
OSINTKASHMIR 