Srinagar- Omar Abdullah took the oath as the first Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, a significant political development that has sparked a fresh debate on the extent of power his government will wield. As political analysts weigh in on the implications of this historic event, questions loom over whether real authority will lie with the Chief Minister or the Lieutenant Governor (LG) administration and whether the promises made during the elections will ever see the light of day.
Kashmir Observer spoke to various political commentators who shared diverse opinions on the new government’s potential. The majority agreed that while the administration holds a symbolic value, its practical power may be limited under the current Union Territory structure. Many believed it would help pacify the masses, create a link between the government and the people, and curb the bureaucratic arrogance that has been growing in recent years. Others highlighted that democracy had finally been restored after a long period of direct governance from New Delhi.
‘A Toothless Government, But Symbolic’
Senior political analyst Riyaz Wani expressed skepticism about the new administration’s actual capacity to implement change. “It is obvious that the government is going to be a toothless one,” he stated. “However, its symbolic value cannot be dismissed. They might not be able to perform significant work on the ground, but they still have a role to play. The Omar-led administration can empathize and sympathize with the people, which was completely missing for the past few years.”
Wani pointed out that the establishment of the new government creates a much-needed discourse. “Even if they lack practical power, they can generate a narrative. For the first time in years, there is someone accountable to the people, even if their hands are tied.It is unlikely that the government will be able to deliver on its promises unless statehood is restored, which looks unlikely for now. As long as Jammu and Kashmir remains a Union Territory, real power will stay with the LG, and in the long run, people will hold Omar’s government responsible for any unmet expectations.”
‘Political Manifestos Are Aspirational’
Distinguished Academician Professor Amitabh Mattoo expressed his hopes for the Omar-led government, despite its limited powers, to be more accountable in terms of governance and development. He emphasized the importance of addressing fundamental issues such as basic services, education, skill development, and infrastructure. “Basic things are no longer a luxury in today’s world. Electricity is a basic necessity, and there is a significant electricity problem in Srinagar and the surrounding areas. I hope the Omar-led government addresses it.”
He further stated that political manifestos are aspirational, and that “as long as the government remains accountable, it will mark a great beginning for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.” Mattoo also noted that “a lot can be accomplished even without statehood,” but expressed optimism about the Prime Minister’s promise of restoring statehood, hoping to see it fulfilled soon.
‘Restoration of Democracy After Six Years’
“From President’s Rule to LG governance, people have experienced a political void. Now, they feel a sigh of relief, even though statehood hasn’t been restored. The Secretariat has opened, and elected representatives are in place,” Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, a senior political analyst and RTI activist, said. He said that the most significant takeaway from this is that democracy has been restored in Kashmir after six long years.
Dr Bhat also pointed out that, in recent years, bureaucratic arrogance had grown unchecked. “Although some positive reforms, like biometric attendance in government offices, have occurred, there was no real accountability,” he said. “Now, at least, there is an elected body. Another crucial takeaway is the role of the Election Commission of India, which conducted free and fair elections, and we should appreciate that.”
‘A Mandate Against the BJP’
Senior journalist Altaf Hussain offered a broader perspective on the elections, emphasizing that they held a unique significance for Kashmir. “These elections were not just about bread-and-butter issues,” Hussain said. “The National Conference (NC) has been given a huge mandate, not so much out of love for the oarty but primarily because people wanted to convey their unhappiness with and disapproval al of Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) givernment’s decisions of August 5, 2019 when erticle 370 was revoked and Jammu and Kashmir was reduced to a Union territory.”
Hussain suggested that people’s political sentiment played a major role in this election. “Many people who have never voted in their lives came out to cast their ballots. There is more resentment against the BJP than love for NC,” he added. “People are intelligent—they know that the Chief Minister doesn’t hold much power in the changed setup. However, they voted to make a strong statement against the unilateral decisions taken by the BJP.”
Hussain concluded that while NC may not be best equipped to address everyday governance issues, any party would face similar challenges in the current environment. “This was not about electing a government that would solve all their problems. It was about sending a message that the people of Kashmir vehemently oppose what happened on August 5, 2019.”
While Abdullah’s swearing-in as Chief Minister represents a turning point in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, there is a consensus that the new government’s role will be largely symbolic under the Union Territory framework. Bureaucratic control is expected to remain largely in the hands of the LG, leaving the Chief Minister with limited practical power. The true test will come in how the administration navigates its role, strives to meet expectations, and handles the inevitable blame for unfulfilled promises.
Despite these limitations, political observers believe that the mere presence of a government accountable to the people will help bridge the gap between the administration and the populace, curbing bureaucratic arrogance and restoring a sense of connection between Kashmiris and their political representatives.
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