A Call for Honest Politics in Jammu & Kashmir
In a recent hard-hitting interview, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah voiced his disillusionment with the current state of political accountability in the Union Territory. The seasoned politician—who has served as both Minister of State and Chief Minister—highlighted a concerning trend in which superficial criticisms and populist calls for resignation are overshadowing the deeper need for transparent governance, institutional accountability, and inclusive leadership.
As J&K continues its complex journey under Union Territory administration post the abrogation of Article 370, Omar Abdullah’s remarks offer a candid reflection on democratic decay, political responsibility, and the diminishing space for dissent.
Political Climate in J&K – From Democratic Governance to Bureaucratic Control
Since August 2019, when the Indian Parliament revoked Article 370 and bifurcated Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, the political environment has shifted drastically. Elected leaders were detained, civil liberties curbed, and democratic processes suspended. Omar Abdullah, like many other senior leaders, was put under house arrest for months.
Today, J&K remains without an elected Assembly. Governance is led by the Lieutenant Governor and unelected bureaucrats, a development Omar describes as “deeply troubling for the health of any democracy.”
He argues that decisions made without public consultation, especially on critical issues like land rights, domicile status, and economic policy, lack legitimacy. “There is governance, but no accountability to the people,” he emphasized.
Populism vs. Accountability – The Political Weaponization of Resignation Demands
Omar Abdullah took strong exception to the ease with which political opponents call for his resignation, especially on issues with long, systemic roots.
“Why is it always easier to ask me to resign for things that happened years ago, than to hold today’s power-wielders accountable for ongoing failures?”
Abdullah argued that such demands are more about optics than substance. “It’s performative outrage. When there’s no pressure on those currently in power, it becomes evident that these calls are politically motivated.”
He pointed to issues like unemployment, security lapses, infrastructure failures, and corruption scandals in the current administration that go unaddressed in the media or political discourse. “When accountability becomes a political tool rather than a democratic principle, everyone loses,” he warned.
Democracy Deferred – When Will J&K Get Elections?
The absence of Assembly elections for nearly five years has raised alarm bells among political parties and civil society in the region. While the government has cited security issues and logistical challenges, critics like Omar Abdullah view the delay as a deliberate attempt to deny J&K a political voice.
“Democracy cannot be selectively applied. You can’t celebrate it in Gujarat and suspend it in Kashmir,” Omar remarked.
He further criticized the delimitation process and questioned the delay in restoring statehood—a promise made multiple times by the central government but yet to be fulfilled.
A Legacy Under Scrutiny – Abdullah’s Response to Critics
Omar Abdullah acknowledged that no political career is above criticism, especially one as long-standing as his. However, he argued that the legacy of his government must be judged in context.
“Yes, we made mistakes. But we also brought investment, development, and created employment. Can the same be said of those in charge today?”
He highlighted initiatives like youth job schemes, panchayat empowerment, and public health infrastructure developed under his tenure. Abdullah urged citizens to ask tough questions of the present, not just the past.
Building a Better Future – What Needs to Change?
When asked about the way forward, Abdullah outlined a five-point vision:
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Restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
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Immediate Assembly elections with full transparency.
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A balanced media ecosystem that holds all sides accountable.
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Revival of public consultation in governance.
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Investment in youth development and job creation.
“We need a government that speaks to the people, not at them,” he said.
National Politics & J&K’s Unique Place
Omar Abdullah also criticized what he described as the mainstream media’s apathy toward Kashmir’s realities, and the national parties’ disinterest in the region’s democratic deficit.
He emphasized that while J&K is now a Union Territory, it still retains cultural, political, and historical uniqueness that requires context-specific policy and engagement.
Bottom-Line: A Call for Responsible Politics
In an era where polarization dominates, Omar Abdullah’s call for meaningful political discourse is both urgent and necessary. While critics may continue to weaponize the past, it is the future of democracy in J&K that remains at stake.
His interview is a reminder that accountability is not about scapegoating individuals—it is about creating systems that serve the people. And until that shift happens, calls for resignation will remain symbolic gestures in a broken political theater.
