Jammu & Kashmir: The political atmosphere in Jammu & Kashmir is under severe turbulence within the National Conference (NC), under the guidance of a veteran politician Farooq Abdullah. The party is struggling with internal dissent and disagreements over who should be given election tickets as elections loom large.
Background
The National Conference, one of the oldest and biggest political parties in Jammu & Kashmir, has been at the center of power here for years. Through every challenge, Farooq Abdullah, who is a veteran leader with strong links to his state’s history has led it. However, ahead of another round of voting in the region there have been cracks becoming increasingly evident within its fold.
The Controversy
A lot of unrest currently rocking this area arises from various allegations about how election tickets are being handed out among the members. This comes after several senior leaders and party members accused the leadership distributing them on favoritism or nepotism basis without any transparency. Consequently, many termed it as betrayal by their opponents thereby rebelling against their own parties with others threatening to quit politics if denied these slots or vie as independent candidates.
The dissatisfaction encompasses ticket distribution and extends to the party’s deeper concerns of its direction and leadership. A number of party members feel they are being marginalized, believing that their hard work is paid little attention because of its focus on recent newbies or even candidates without any qualifications. This feeling of having been left alone has driven this rebellion that culminated in open disagreement among the ranks.
Impact on the Party’s Image
Internal rancor in National Conference could hardly have come at a worst time with few weeks to elections. What is more, it may harm the party reputation among voters and weaken its standing. Besides, it could give opponents an opportunity to take advantage of these divisions during campaigns.
Now Farooq Abdullah, a skilled politician must meet a challenge of pacifying this revolt and bringing unity back into his party. His leadership has become questionable and how he resolves this matter would significantly affect the future performance of the political organization in coming elections.
The Road Ahead
With the forthcoming elections, what lies ahead is uncertain for the National Conference. Winning the polls will depend on how well they can resolve such problems and present a common face. Unless it is dealt with quickly, the upspringing may result in serious erosion of support both within the party and among common voters.
To conclude, Farooq Abdullah’s internal rebellion in his National Conference about who gets the election tickets points to political parties’ struggle to maintain unity during election period. The possible outcome of this internal brawl will most likely determine Jammu & Kashmir’s future political map.
