Parties in Kashmir have put issues of sub-nationalism and identity at the forefront of their campaign
It's not jobs or development, but the key issues that dominate the political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir are still soft separatism and sub-nationalism. From protecting the region special status under Article 370 and Article 35A, to autonomy, self-rule, the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, Public Safety Act, etc. issues used by mainstream political parties to woo voters in the Valley all revolve around questions of identity and emotion. Meanwhile, more traditional common man's issues — bijli, sadak, paani — find themselves relegated to the backburner.
Leading the charge are National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who are both trying to project themselves as saviours of the state's special status. "It's not an election; it's a battle for our survival, identity and autonomy. You don't have to vote for NC or me; you vote for Kashmir and for yourself," said Justice (retd) Hasnain Masoodi, NC's candidate from Anantnag.
Both NC and PDP are contesting the three seats from Kashmir Valley, while backing Congress candidates from the two seats in Jammu. "BJP is outraged that we want to restore the state's special status. They are the ones who used to sit with me in the central Cabinet when we got the autonomy resolution passed. Why didn't they raise these issues then? Restoration of autonomy will go a long way in removing cobwebs of mistrust between New Delhi and the state," Omar Abdullah, former chief minister and NC vice-president said.
Another former CM, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, has also been asking people to stand united against divisive forces. "BJP has already publicised its agenda against our identity and special status. It's working on a plan to divide us and weaken our fight. We have to guard our identity and our interests as a Muslim-majority state across linguistic and sectarian differences," Mehbooba said.
Even the Congress, which is contesting two of the Valley's three seats, has promised to protect J&K's special status. "Even if BJP rules for the next 200 years, Congress will not allow them to revoke Article 370," said Ghulam Nabi Azad, senior Congress leader and leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha.
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