Jammu and Kashmir has seen some momentous changes in the last five years. The abrogation of Article 370, the bifurcation of the State into two Union Territories, and an administration under the leadership of a Lieutenant-Governor. How do people of Jammu and Kashmir view the role of the Union government? After the National Conference(NC)–Congress alliance won a comfortable majority, the Chief Minister designate, Omar Abdullah has highlighted the need for a cordial relationship between the Centre and the government in Jammu and Kashmir. The CSDS-Lokniti survey points out some important perceptions of the people on critical issues linked to the Union government. Four key factors are highlighted here.
When asked whether Jammu and Kashmir would be governed better as a State or Union Territory, two-thirds of the respondents felt that Statehood has the potential for better governance. Only one of every ten favoured continuing as a Union Territory and one-seventh (14%) felt it would make no difference if it were a State or a Union Territory. Clearly, this election was seen as a step towards the Centre supporting the move for Statehood in Jammu and Kashmir (Table 1).
How did the people assess the performance of the government when it became a Union Territory? While people did concede that terrorist activities had decreased (47%), the report card did not have too many positives on all other indicators. People believed that prices of essential commodities had risen sharply, corruption had increased and employment opportunities had reduced (Table 2).
Voters also rated their satisfaction with the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. More than half the respondents were satisfied with the government performance while close to four of every ten were dissatisfied (Table 3). There was a marked difference in the way respondents perceived satisfaction with the Union government and this seemed to be linked to their voting choice. Two-thirds of those who were very satisfied with the Union government’s performance voted for the BJP. Close to a majority of those who were somewhat and fully dissatisfied and somewhat satisfied voted for the National Conference-Congress alliance. Evaluation of government performance was largely viewed from the prism of party support.
With election being completed and a new government taking charge, the focus will very much be on the equations between the Centre and the new government in Jammu and Kashmir.
The author is Director-Academics, NITTE Education Trust and the National Coordinator of the Lokniti Network
Published - October 11, 2024 02:41 am IST