The whole world is abuzz with talk of the extraordinarily high voter turnout in the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. When the first phase witnessed an astounding voter turnout of 70 percent, the Jihadi elements being nurtured by our worthy neighbour Pakistan and their associates in the Kashmir valley were insistent that it was a freak case; the repeat in the second phase would have come across as a rude shock for them.

As the polling for the first phase ended these inimical forces did everything in their power to change the dynamics. They resorted to infiltration, terrorist attacks, political killing, intimidation and what not to dissuade the people from voting. In testimony to these acts is the infiltration bid followed by a suicide attacks in Arnia in district Jammu; a terror attack in the business hub of Lal Chowk in Srinagar; killing of a Sarpanch in Kashmir, poster campaign across Kashmir, threatening messages to villagers etc. There is no trick in their repertoire that the terrorists have not used after the first phase to turn around the situation.

The maximum credit for failure of the terrorists in their evil designs goes to the people who have, defied all odds to repose faith in democracy and freedom. They have given a slap on the face of those who were instigating them against the democratic process. The Kashmiri separatists who have been experiencing a steady process of political marginalisation stand totally isolated.

There was talk of postponement of the elections due t the adverse situation created by floods in the state. The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) led central government, however, pulled all stops in restoring the situation. The security forces, led by the Indian army, made an admirable contribution in bringing about a situation of normality, wherein, holding of elections became feasible. The task, of course, would not have been completed without active support of the people and the clear cut objective set by the central BJP led central government.

Along with the effort to contain the natural calamity, the Indian army also had to counter attempts from across the border to derail the elections through spread of terror. It had to strengthen both the Counter-infiltration posture along the border and line of control as also the Counter-terrorism posture in the hinterland.

Terrorists have been making and continue to make frantic attempts to strike for which reason they are coming out from their hideouts. The intelligence structure of the security forces is so potent that the moment they raise their heads information comes in and well planned, precision attacks lead to their decimation. It is for this reason that security forces have been achieving an astounding degree of success in counter terrorist operations in the Kashmir valley of late. The people have gained considerable confidence due to this success of the security forces and the same is being seen in the form of fearless voting.

The large turnout has led to considerable speculations about the result of the polls! Who will form the next government in Jammu and Kashmir is the question on everybody’s lips! It is quite evident that all political parties in the fray have pulled all stops in their campaigning. There is, however, a palpable anti-incumbency against the National Conference (NC) and the Congress even as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in a resurgent mode.

It is, however, the BJP that seems to be the leader of the pack. BJP has found a new vigour due to the “Modi wave” that is likely to change the course of history in the state. This does not come across as a surprise since that party has been working hard over a long time to build on its grass roots support not only in its traditional turf of the Jammu region but also in Kashmir and Ladakh, which is now paying dividends. The people of Kashmir will not forget the assistance that was given to them by BJP and RSS volunteers during the floods when their own elected government of the NC-Congress coalition was nowhere to be seen.

While the local parties are reiterating their oft repeated political ideology to garner votes the BJP is speaking the language of growth, development and democratic inclusiveness that the people wish to hear. People are no longer interested in the self rule of the PDP or the autonomy of the NC. They simply do not care about the status of the ASFSPA or Article 370 for that matter. They want growth, employment, eradication of corruptions and an end to dynastic rule; this is what the BJP has to offer to them.

Some electoral battles have been won but the war is not over. There are still a few more phases of elections to go through. Security forces will have to increase their vigil since the terrorists are bound increase their efforts to disrupt the coming phases of the election in a do or die last ditch effort. The people have to maintain their level of courage even as terrorists employ new and novel methods to intimidate them.

The large voter turnout, competitive campaigning and the dynamic political environment notwithstanding, a hung verdict with no party getting a clear mandate is a possibility. Coalition may be imperative yet again. This is where the maturity of the political leadership will come in play. While forging an alliance, the leaders will need to respect the aspirations of the people and cut across political lines to give to them what they have voted for with exemplary courage and resoluteness. Ideology will have to be set aside in favour of peace, prosperity and development. This is possible only if sagacity and maturity marks the political process. The positivity being generated needs to be nurtured and exploited for the good of the state.

(Author is Editorwww.defenceinfo.com)