By Mohd Rafique Rather
The recently concluded assembly session in Jammu and Kashmir has turned out to be yet another disappointment for the people of the region. Once again, the National Conference (NC) — a party that has long portrayed itself as the historic torchbearer of Kashmiri aspirations — failed to rise to the occasion. At a time when the people expected assertive leadership and bold representation, the NC delivered only silence, complacency, political lethargy — and of course, muscle display when it suited them.
This was no ordinary session. It was the first real opportunity in years for elected representatives to speak for the pain and humiliation inflicted upon the people — and to voice the emotions and aspirations of those rendered powerless and voiceless. Issues have been mounting: from the long-pending demand for the restoration of statehood, to the reinstatement of Articles 370 and 35A that once defined Jammu and Kashmir’s unique constitutional status. Yet, no serious voice from the NC camp challenged the government’s narrative or stood firmly to reignite this vital constitutional debate. Their silence on these fundamental issues was not just disappointing — it was a betrayal of the people’s mandate and a silent approval of the actions taken on August 5, 2019.
The National Conference, which once claimed to be the guardian of J&K’s special identity, didn’t muster the courage to even bring these core demands to the center of the assembly’s agenda. Why was there no forceful resolution demanding the restoration of statehood — a matter that deserves open, democratic debate on the floor of the House, not a unilateral decision by the executive? Why was there no renewed demand for the reinstatement of Articles 370 and 35A — the very issues on which NC built its political capital and made emotional appeals to voters for decades?
The silence didn’t stop there. The common Kashmiri — particularly those from the working class — had placed their trust in elected representatives to speak for their everyday struggles. Daily wagers, casual laborers, and contractual workers have been demanding regularization for years. Their cries have echoed through protests, petitions, and social media campaigns. Yet, inside the assembly, those cries were drowned out by political inertia. The NC had a historic chance to pressure the government into adopting a clear policy and timeline for regularisation — but instead, they chose passivity.
On the welfare front, the disconnect was even more glaring. In the run-up to the session, promises such as 200 units of free electricity, 12 LPG cylinders annually per household, repeal of the draconian PSA, free ration schemes, one lakh government jobs for the youth, and rationalisation of the reservation policy were echoed in public meetings and political manifestos. But when it came time to raise these issues meaningfully within the House — the place where such promises should be translated into policy — the NC bench offered no concrete proposals, no accountability mechanisms, and no resistance. The gulf between their public posturing and legislative performance is not just unfortunate — it is alarming.
So what is the National Conference really doing with the mandate people gave them? Are they in the assembly to legislate, to advocate, and to defend the dignity of the people? Or are they there merely to occupy seats, enjoy protocol, issue press statements, and play safe politics while Jammu and Kashmir burns with pressing issues?
Let us not forget: the people of this region are navigating unprecedented challenges. Inflation is crushing household budgets. Unemployment has reached historic highs. Political alienation and disillusionment are deepening, particularly among the youth. This was a time for courageous leadership, for cutting through the noise and focusing on the needs of the people. Instead, we witnessed lip service and legislative indifference.
The NC, it seems, has become a party of nostalgia — more committed to its past glory than its present responsibility. The assembly, a sacred space for democratic deliberation, has been reduced to a theatre of missed opportunities and avoided debates. Their failure to take up core issues in the House is a stark reminder that political legacy alone cannot substitute for political will.
To make matters worse, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) moved vital and people-centric resolutions during the session — including a ban on liquor, regularisation of land rights for the landless, job security for daily wagers, and rationalisation of the reservation system that is steadily eroding merit and fairness. These resolutions deserved serious deliberation. Instead, they were conveniently sidelined by NC members under the garb of a so-called protest against the Speaker — a protest whose timing and theatrics raised more questions than answers. It was not principled dissent; it was a distraction. The motive was clear: avoid real debate on real issues, and mask the retreat behind scripted drama.
This betrayal by the National Conference is not an isolated incident. It is part of a larger, consistent pattern — a pattern of remaining silent when the people cry out for representation, of stepping back when they are expected to step forward. The Kashmiri people deserve better — representatives who use the assembly not as a ceremonial space, but as a platform for action, advocacy, and accountability.
This session was more than just a routine meeting of legislators. It was a test of courage, character, and commitment. The National Conference failed that test — not quietly, but spectacularly.
The people must now ask: If the NC cannot speak for them inside the assembly, then who are they really speaking for?
Mohd Rafique Rather
Is a teacher turned politician and has worked is Spokesperson PDP and District president Baramulla.
Can be reached out at..
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