The Jammu and Kashmir, which was a full-fledged state before August 5, 2019 has witnessed many changes on the aforesaid day when the centre-led by PM Narendra Modi scrapped the contentious Article 370 and reorganized the region into a Union Territory, snatching many privileges apart from the special status which it used to enjoy on the basis of the aforesaid Article of the Constitution.
One of the most significant changes which changed the course of this region was that the police force and many other crucial aspects of governance stopped falling under the jurisdiction of local authorities.
Taking into consideration these changes and many others, the political parties which are in fray in the ongoing Assembly elections need to revisit their strategies and the focus because the hot political debates seem to have gone astray with almost all the parties promising things which are beyond the scope of powers which the upcoming Chief Minister or the flock of ministers would have after entering the power corridors in the Union Territory. People watching the polls from close proximity won't argue that many political debates in the region have been veering toward national-level issues rather than focusing on those within the purview of the UT's local governance like the restoration of statehood, which has been promised by the central government but is yet to be fulfilled. However, this is an issue that transcends the scope of a UT election.
Similarly, Article 370 and its potential restoration are topics that fall squarely in the domain of national policy and the local government in J&K has no locus standi over the issue except commenting, which is nothing but a waste of time. The importance of these issues doesn't make any difference when the people joining the government have no power to change the course therefore the entire political leadership including parties and individuals should better focus on more immediate issues that local political parties can address after coming to power in J&K.
It is imperative to work on the domains where the political parties can effect change and enhance things, raising voice and disturbing mental stability by raking up issues which are out of hands is not at all advisable for any entity which is politically charged these days on account of ongoing Assembly polls.
It is better that the political outfits make public their viewpoints and plans regarding addressing the infrastructure needs of the region, improving public services, enhancing educational and healthcare facilities, tackling unemployment, etc. These are issues that directly impact the daily lives of the residents of Jammu and Kashmir and are well within the local government's control to manage and reform.
