Political developments, changing equations bring new options to fore

Srinagar: During the past few days significant political developments have taken place in Kashmir and political equations are changing at a fast pace.
Last week co-founder of Peoples Democratic Party, Muzaffar Hussain Beigh, joined Peoples Conference led by Sajad Lone. Just two days before Beigh’s joining Imran Raza Ansari stepped down from the post of PC’s general secretary. After Beigh joined the Peoples Conference two other PDP leaders, Khurshid Alam and Yasir Reshi resigned from the PDP citing different reasons.
An analyst while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “After August 5, 2019, the political scenario in Jammu and Kashmir has changed drastically. Political parties that used to call the shots are finding it difficult to establish their foothold. During the past one and a half year many political formations have come to fore. And in the coming days many more parties may also be formed.”
He said, “Formation of Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) was a step towards building a united front but it appears that the move has not worked out. The conglomerate seems to have crumbled under its own weight.”
An observer said, “International scenario is also changing and it appears that India and Pakistan want to move ahead. The way things are changing we don’t see any role of Kashmiri leaders in any big process. For time being they will have to focus on local issues to remain relevant.”
He said, “Emerging scenario indicates that we may very soon see a new front coming up in North Kashmir. In Srinagar many parties have cropped up. South Kashmir, which used to be PDP’s bastion, seems to be without a leader and a party.”
“Recently held District Development Council (DDC) elections in Jammu and Kashmir were an indication that the Centre wants to strengthen the grass root democracy in the union territory. For assembly elections to be held, the delimitation process has to get completed. If the polls are held in J&K without statehood being restored, powers of the politicians will remain curtailed and major decisions will be taken by New Delhi,” the observer added.
Referring to the statements of NC vice-president, Omar Abdullah and PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti, that they won’t contest the elections, the observer said, “Both Omar and Mehbooba have headed J&K when it was a state and they had full powers. They know that even if they get elected that won’t be able to rule J&K in a way they want to.”
A politician said, “Politics is all about the change. J&K is not the only place in the world where political equations have changed. Politics keeps on changing everywhere. People leaving one party and joining another is an integral part of politics. It’s no big issue.”

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