GANDERBAL: Department of Politics and Governance, Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) organised a panel discussion on “Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024: Aspirations and Challenges,” at varsity’s Green Campus here on Friday. Prof. Fayaz Ahmad Nikka, Dean School of Social Sciences, Prof. Naidu Ashok from Osmania University Hyderabad, Prof. Rekha Chowdhary from University of Jammu, Prof. Noor Ahmad Baba, former Head Department of Politics and Governance CUK, Dr. K Lakshman Head Department of Politics and Governance CUK, faculty members, scholars and students were present on the occasion.
Addressing the participants, Prof. Fayaz Ahmad Nikka, said that the newly elected government in Jammu and Kashmir needs to work in close coordination with the Central Government to alleviate the sufferings of the masses. He further said that strong, cordial relationship and bonhomie through a convergence in a federal structure is contemplated under concurrent list of division of powers between Central and State Governments. He opined that the larger participation of people in the electoral process speaks of high level of aspirations. “The government has a responsibility to deliver on the promises made in the election manifesto in letter and spirit by involving all the stakeholders with proportional representation to both the regions,” Prof Nika added. He expressed optimism that the Government will increase the “happiness index” of the people by adopting welfare measures and addressing the issue of unemployment.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Naidu Ashok, applauded the people of Jammu and Kashmir for overwhelmingly participating in the electoral process by exercising their franchise in large numbers. “The poll percentage suggests that people have even surpassed the national poll percentage average,” he said, adding, “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have given a clear verdict, reposing their faith in the democratic process and avoiding possibilities of coalition government.” Prof. Naidu also remarked that no re-polling was done in any constituency, which indicates that the elections were held in a transparent manner.
In his address, Prof. Noor Ahmad Baba, said that the electoral process is a fundamental bedrock of democracy. Prof. Baba said people have aspirations about employment and many other things as the National Conference came to power. “However the Government confronts many challenges as Jammu is being represented by BJP and NC represents Kashmir. The challenge is to take the people of Jammu and Kashmir all along,” he added.
Prof. Rekha Chowdhary in her remarks said that every election held in Jammu and Kashmir is extremely important because it has a different context from the rest of the country. “The recent election was also important because of the Reorganisation Act,” she said. Prof. Rekha said that this election provided a suitable political space for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “This election for new parties was a test-check of their political space and also for old parties to establish their relevance,” she added. Prof. Rekha, said that Kashmiris have always valued democracy. However, she was of the opinion that the BJP gained where Congress failed. The students and scholars on the occasion raised a number of queries which were clarified by the panellists.
As discussant, Sr. Asst Prof. DPG, Dr. Khalid Wasim Hassan, said the elections, held after a gap of ten years, was a good opportunity for people to express themselves. Earlier, Head Deptt of Politics and Governance, Dr. K Lakshman, in his welcome address, said the objective of organising the panel discussion was to discuss and thoroughly debate the success of the recently concluded electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the peoples’ participation in large numbers has further strengthened the democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir. DPG Academic Coordinator, Dr. Himabindu conducted the programme and Asst Prof. Dr. Muzaffar Ahmad Ganaie, proposed the vote of thanks.
