Jammu and Kashmir is in the peak of election season. The poll warriors-the Facebook activists, the Instagram stalwarts, the coffee shop analysts, the regular visitors to the offices of political outfits-they all are in top gear; seeking nominations, expecting big tickets and even threatening to resign if refused the mandate, no matter whether they enjoy the support of even their own family members. Astonishingly, in certain cases, their threats are working also. Raising one or two slogans in a street corner and getting slight limelight in the media entitles them to contest elections and dictate terms.
The case of a self-styled Advocate and a lower rung Congress activist is a pointer to the growing trend of browbeating and blackmailing leaders. Accused of allegedly having committed rape, the Congress activist has been seeking a mandate for the upcoming elections, notwithstanding dubious record and boorish attitude. When asked how a rape accused can even be considered for candidature, the advocate-activist reportedly retorted back, ‘where this morality had gone when a Pradesh President, other leaders and ex-ministers, did not only get plump positions but ministerial berths again’ despite having remained in jail for their involvement in the infamous Srinagar Sex Racket?’
Some of the slogan shouters have overnight turned tall leaders after getting into photo-frames with some of the top leaders of Jammu and Kashmir in some event, marriage party or a social get together. They keep shouting from root-tops about their ‘political standing’. Surrounded by a couple of hired buffoons, they even brag about their influence to decide the fate of a dozen, half-dozen constituencies.
In this election season, visit any street or Mohalla, the people can be heard murmuring that so and so vendors are running for the contest or the guy having proximity with the barber of a senior leader is also in the race. And, they all are girding their loins, having conviction that this part of the country is ready for their brand of leadership.
Democracy has lost its meaning and definition-the government of the people, for the people and by the people. It is sadly now, the government of the freebooters, concessionists, exploiters and history sheeters for their type of people. The common man continues to be perplexed and confused about what to do and what not to do.
Gone are the days when a candidate needed experience, a solid platform, or supporters. Now those trying their luck and forcing their entry into the political arena are armed with a selfie stick, a slogan and Chamchagiri.
Till very recent past, those desirous of running for public office used to be a select few with a history of public service, sincerity, dedication and enjoying confidence of the people. Their strength used to be public trust and not the Facebook posts or a few clips on media portals or newspapers. They used to speak a full sentence and not to fumble on public platforms.
These days everybody wants to jump into the political ring and dance like a circus joker. Astonishingly they are getting recognition as well from the ‘political stalwarts’, maybe because the people with sense are shying away to join the mad race for elections.