How some People think that Selfies, Slogans, and Shamelessness are enough to get the Ticket to Power.

||Black and White Digital News||

||Tejveer Singh August 28,2024 ||

As the political climate in Jammu and Kashmir heats up, the state finds itself swept into the frenzy of election season. It’s a circus-like spectacle with an extraordinary cast of characters—Facebook activists, Instagram influencers, coffee shop analysts, and a motley crew of individuals who spend their days loitering around political offices. These self-styled political warriors, many without a following to boast about beyond their own family members, are all vying for tickets, threatening resignations if denied. Shockingly, this brazen approach is actually yielding results in some quarters.

One particularly egregious example highlights how this season has turned moral standards on their head. An activist of a certain political party accused of rape, has thrust himself into the political fray, lobbying for a mandate to contest the upcoming elections. When confronted with the obvious question of how someone with such a dark history could seek public office, his response was not one of repentance but defiance: “Where was this morality when a Pradesh President and other leaders, including ex-ministers, who were involved in the infamous Srinagar Sex Racket, managed to secure plum positions and ministerial berths after spending time in jail?”

This flippant disregard for ethical conduct speaks volumes about the degenerative state of the political environment. The act of raising a slogan or two on a street corner, or getting some fleeting limelight in a local media outlet, now seems enough for some to stake a claim to leadership. In some cases, individuals who manage to snap a photograph with a senior leader at a marriage party or social gathering suddenly declare themselves kingmakers. Surrounded by hired sycophants, they boast about their influence and authority, claiming to have a hand in determining the fate of numerous constituencies.

In every nook and corner of the region, the conversations reflect the absurdity of this election season. Vendors, shopkeepers, and even those close to the barber of a political bigwig have announced their candidacy, filled with the conviction that Jammu and Kashmir is ready for their so-called brand of leadership. The race for power has turned into a mockery, with individuals of little stature or contribution believing they are the next political saviors.

What we’re witnessing is the erosion of democracy’s true essence—a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. Instead, it’s devolving into a government of freebooters, concessionists, exploiters, and opportunists, propped up by social media and media-savvy manipulation. Meanwhile, the common man stands lost and bewildered, unsure of how to navigate this new political landscape.

Gone are the days when potential candidates came equipped with a history of public service, genuine dedication, and the backing of loyal supporters. Experience, platforms, and the trust of the people were once the hallmarks of a respectable leader. Now, a candidate’s arsenal consists of nothing more than a selfie stick, a hastily-constructed slogan, and an audacious amount of sycophancy. A few cleverly framed pictures posted online, along with a viral soundbite or two, seem to be the qualifications necessary to demand a place on the ballot.

In earlier times, those who dared to aspire to public office often had a demonstrated record of commitment to their communities. Their speeches resonated with the public, not just because of their oratory but because their words carried the weight of lived experience and a genuine desire to serve. Today, many aspirants fumble and stutter through their speeches, revealing not just a lack of eloquence but a lack of understanding of the very people they claim to represent.

What’s even more distressing is that these very people—armed with nothing but loud voices and social media fame—are actually receiving recognition from so-called “political stalwarts.” The sad reality is that the sensible and qualified people who might have made excellent leaders are sitting this one out, shying away from the mad scramble for tickets. The race to win is now dominated by jokers dancing for a moment of attention in the political ring, legitimized by a system that rewards shamelessness over substance.

Jammu and Kashmir is in the throes of an election like no other, where circus acts seem to have replaced meaningful discourse. As these self-anointed leaders grasp at whatever power they can seize, the true essence of leadership—vision, empathy, integrity—continues to wither away. And as the curtains rise on this political drama, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are left to wonder whether they are the audience or the unwitting victims of this electoral charade.