Three months have passed since the formation of the new government in Jammu and Kashmir, yet there has been little to show in terms of tangible progress. The much-anticipated relief and reforms promised during the election campaign remain elusive, leaving the people disillusioned and questioning the intent behind the grand pledges made by political parties. The discontent has grown even stronger after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s candid admission during the Badalta Jammu & Kashmir conclave organized by Gulistan, where he acknowledged that fulfilling the party’s manifesto is impossible unless J&K’s statehood is restored. This revelation has cast serious doubts on the credibility of the manifesto, as it raises an important question: Why were promises made when the limitations of a Union Territory (UT) administration were already clear? This situation has placed both the electorate and elected representatives in a difficult position. People voted with the hope that, after years of political uncertainty, an elected government would finally address their grievances and fulfill their aspirations. However, they now find themselves at a crossroads—watching as their elected MLAs and ministers enjoy the perks of office without delivering on their commitments.
The Manifesto vs The Ground Reality: The election manifestos of political parties were filled with promises aimed at directly benefiting the common people. Among them were:
200 Units of Free Electricity
10 Kg Free Ration Per Household
12 Free LPG Cylinders Per Year
Review of Prisoners’ Cases
Repeal of the Public Safety Act (PSA)
Employment Generation & Unemployment Relief
These pledges resonated strongly with the public, particularly in a region that has long suffered from economic instability, political uncertainty, and administrative neglect. However, despite the electoral victory of the parties that championed these promises, none of these commitments have materialized.
Unfulfilled Economic Promises: One of the key issues that swayed voters was the promise of economic relief. The provision of 200 units of free electricity was seen as a necessary step to alleviate the burden of rising power tariffs. However, despite repeated assurances, electricity bills continue to soar, and unscheduled power cuts remain a daily ordeal. Similarly, the promise of 10 kg of free ration per household has not been fulfilled, leaving low-income families struggling to cope with rising food prices. The commitment to provide 12 free LPG cylinders per year was another major electoral promise, but there has been no indication that the government intends to implement it. Instead, the cost of living has only risen, with fuel and essential commodities becoming more expensive.
The Issue of Political Prisoners & PSA: The review of prisoners’ cases and the repeal of the Public Safety Act (PSA) were among the most politically significant promises. Over the years, many individuals have been detained under PSA, and political parties vowed to ease these measures if elected. However, there has been no concrete action in this regard. The PSA remains in force, and political detainees continue to languish in jails without any sign of review or amnesty. Adding to the concerns over civil liberties, many prominent journalists too continue to languish in jails under PSA, raising serious questions about press freedom in Jammu and Kashmir. These journalists needed a fair review of their cases, but no such action has been taken, highlighting yet another instance of electoral promises failing to translate into reality. The failure to take even symbolic steps toward addressing these promises has disappointed many who expected a more proactive approach from the new administration.
“Election promises cannot merely serve as tools to gain power; they must translate into real change on the ground. Jammu & Kashmir has endured enough political instability. What the people need now is a government that delivers, not one that hides behind excuses. The promises made must be honored, or the trust deficit between politicians and the people will only deepen, making future electoral campaigns even more challenging.”
The Employment Crisis: Perhaps the most pressing concern for the youth of J&K is the issue of employment. During the elections, parties vowed to create job opportunities and offer relief to unemployed youth. However, three months into the new government’s tenure, there have been no new employment schemes, nor any roadmap to tackle the growing joblessness in the region. While political leaders continue to make statements about prioritizing youth welfare, the reality on the ground tells a different story. With limited private sector opportunities and stagnant government hiring, frustration among the educated youth is mounting. The promises of skill development programs and industrial growth appear to have been nothing more than empty rhetoric.
Why Were These Promises Made Without Due Diligence? The most troubling aspect of this situation is the realization that these promises may have been made without considering the limitations of governing under a UT setup. Political parties were well aware that Jammu & Kashmir was not a state and that certain financial and administrative constraints would hinder policy implementation. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s statement, acknowledging that the manifesto cannot be fulfilled without the restoration of statehood, raises questions about the intent behind making such promises in the first place. If statehood was a prerequisite for these reforms, then why was it not made clear to the people during the campaign? This has left voters feeling deceived, as they had placed their trust in parties that now claim their hands are tied. The government’s inability—or unwillingness—to provide a timeline for these promises further deepens the skepticism among the people.
The Gap Between Governance And Public Expectations: While political leaders continue to enjoy the benefits of their positions—complete with security convoys, allowances, and other privileges—the common people are left waiting for the promised relief. This widening gap between governance and public expectations is creating frustration and eroding trust in the political system. The disconnect is particularly evident in the lack of urgency shown by the government in addressing pressing issues. Instead of offering clear explanations or alternative solutions, there has been a visible silence on key matters such as:
When will free electricity, ration, and gas cylinders be provided?
What concrete steps are being taken to address unemployment?
When will political prisoners’ cases be reviewed?
Is there a plan to repeal PSA, or was it merely an election gimmick?
The Need For Political Accountability: The current scenario in J&K is a stark reminder of the importance of political accountability. Voters must demand answers and hold their elected representatives responsible for the commitments they made. The ruling parties must also realize that making promises without a clear execution plan not only damages their credibility but also weakens public confidence in the democratic process. If the government truly believes that fulfilling its manifesto is impossible under the current UT framework, then it should clearly outline the path forward—whether that means pushing for statehood or devising alternative measures within the existing system.
Conclusion; The Clock is Ticking: Three months have already passed, and the patience of the people is wearing thin. The government must act swiftly to address the concerns of the public and provide a transparent roadmap for fulfilling its promises. If meaningful steps are not taken soon, the very leaders who secured votes based on these promises may find themselves losing public support just as quickly. Election promises cannot merely serve as tools to gain power; they must translate into real change on the ground. Jammu & Kashmir has endured enough political instability. What the people need now is a government that delivers, not one that hides behind excuses. The promises made must be honored, or the trust deficit between politicians and the people will only deepen, making future electoral campaigns even more challenging.
(The author is a freelancer. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
Ahmad Ayaz
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