The Kashmir Verdict

The 61% turnout in the Kashmir Assembly elections mandate was towards coalition for the second time. This turnout, which is far bigger than the previous times (45% during last elections), is greater than that of some of the states in India. This increase in percentage implies that the zero pre-election violence played a role in getting the voters to the poling booths. It also sends a clear NO to the seperatists, who continue their harangue in the news channels inspite of all this. Thanks to the election commission's efficient way of organising elections, we now can be confident about this as the Kashmir's verdict for their own Government.

JKNC emerges as the biggest party again, with its 28 seats. After being voted out of power in the last election, for a replacement by PDP-Congress alliance, JKNC looks to make a comeback this time. Just after the last election, the power bargains by the Mufti duo with the Congress went about for a month, finally settled with Mufti Mohammed as the Chief minister for the 'first-half'. The Common Minimum Programme (CMP) talk by the PDP seemed to continue after the end of this election also, though their seats are no way near for a formation of the Govt. But, even before that Congress has learnt a lesson for being with PDP last time, and would be definitely happy to team up with the Abdullahs than the Muftis. However, since Congress has 17 seats, though considerable, perhaps would have to settle for a lesser bargain.

BJP shines with a drastic increase in the seats to 11 from 1 of the last terms. All the seats of BJP have been from the Jammu area. The issues of discrimination against Jammu, Amarnath lands have helped the lotus party, and have won them a significant percentage of votes. BJP had 8 seats which was the highest till this election, in 96 elections, and have lost them all except for 1, in the following election. May be it is the time for the party to realise that performance should be the winning factor in their agenda for the election next time, rather than betting on the 'temporary' or emtional issues.

We hope that the parties take the mandate in the right spirit and work towards a 'Naya Kashmir', rather than worrying about who holds the CM throne.