New J&K governor should focus on improving administration

With Satya Pal Malik taking over as the new governor of Jammu & Kashmir, an opportunity to focus on governance in the state has presented itself. Its elected government has fallen and another elected government must take over soon. But given the sectarian agendas of most political parties in J&K today the interregnum of governor’s rule could, in the right hands, be used to demonstrate the benefits of non-sectarian and competent governance in a deeply divided state.

While PDP and National Conference are mainly focussed on Kashmir Valley, BJP is essentially concerned with Jammu. Thus, there’s no party that represents the whole of J&K today. This in turn has led to a divided society, as exemplified by former chief minister Farooq Abdullah being heckled at Hazratbal dargah on Eid for raising the slogan of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Jai Hind’ at a Delhi event. Similarly, we saw BJP state ministers rally for the Kathua rapemurder accused earlier this year even though they were part of the same PDP-BJP coalition government that was investigating the heinous crime against an eight-year-old girl.

These divisions represent a social crisis, but a crisis can also be an opportunity. Malik, a career politician who has been affiliated with several political parties in the past, is a fitting choice for the governor’s post. He can interact frankly with all sections of J&K’s polity without much baggage. J&K’s strife-ridden politics certainly means he has a tough job on his hands. But if development is allowed to take root, it will serve as a catalyst for social healing. Towards this end, holding peaceful local body elections later in the year will be a significant milestone.

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Courtesy: Times of India: 24 Aug 2018