Since morning, Yousuf Tarigami has been with party workers and locals at the party office in Kulgam, 80 km from Srinagar. Tarigami, as a gentle presence, listens to the stories of locals of all ages who share tea with their beloved comrade. A four-time legislator and member of the CPM Central Committee, Tarigami is a prominent figure in leftist politics in Jammu and Kashmir. Tarigami, who has been representing the Kulgam constituency since 1996, is speaking to Mathrubhumi.

Assembly elections are being held in Jammu and Kashmir after ten years. This is the first election since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted special status to the region. What does the election landscape reveal?

Previously, Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed special status under Article 370 during elections. However, that changed when the article was abrogated without consulting any section of society, leading to strict restrictions and the house arrest of political leaders. The state was divided, creating a complicated environment for the upcoming assembly elections. This was achieved by imposing strict restrictions, essentially keeping the entire state locked down like a prison.

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The Supreme Court order, which suggested that assembly elections should take place before the end of September, also called for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's state status as soon as possible. However, no action has been taken to address this.

Besides, even after the election date was announced, the central government amended the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. Some crucial powers that should belong to the State government have also been transferred to the lieutenant governor, an unelected representative of the central government. The lieutenant governor holds more power than the elected State government. The people are aware of these changes and will respond at the polls.

With the withdrawal of Article 370, the BJP and the central government claim that there is an influx of development in Jammu and Kashmir. What is your response?

If there is development, let them specify what it is. We asked the BJP to provide a list of development activities undertaken by the Center and the state administration in Jammu and Kashmir during this period, but there has been no response. Unemployment remains the biggest problem in this State. What solutions have been proposed? Let’s keep the case of Kashmir aside for now. The BJP has less influence in Kashmir, but what development has taken place in Jammu, where the BJP is more powerful? Look at the lives of ordinary people; their trades and businesses are struggling. Yet, the government is supporting large corporations in the name of development. Even the contractors here are being brought in from outside by the current administration.

The BJP points out that terrorism has decreased in Kashmir since the withdrawal of Article 370. What are your thoughts on that?

In reality, terrorism is not a fundamental characteristic of Kashmir, but efforts are being made to portray it that way. During the partition of the country in 1947, there were major riots in Lahore, Punjab, and Bengal, but Kashmir experienced no violence. I would say that it’s important to understand this. Kashmir is a Muslim-majority state that shares a border with Pakistan. It was in this context that Article 370 was established. This article reflects the complexities of our relationship, not just a constitutional provision. We have a rich and diverse culture characterised by harmony and tolerance. The constitution guarantees the protection of this diversity based on secularism. These conditions have been undermined.

The BJP claims it has ended family rule in Jammu and Kashmir. Isn't that true?

Why is the BJP now raising allegations of family politics? Isn't it the same PDP that allied with the BJP in 2014? Wasn't it a party of family politics back then? Why was it democracy then, and now it's labelled as family politics? During Vajpayee's rule, the National Conference was part of the NDA within the central government. Wasn't it a family party then? If it joins the BJP, it’s seen as a democratic party; if it distances itself, it suddenly becomes a family party. This is a double standard and reflects the BJP's behaviour in politics.

The PDP is not part of the INDIA alliance this time as well. Won't this cause the anti-BJP votes to split? Are you sure that 2014 won't repeat itself?

That's true. There’s a preconceived notion about the PDP’s stance. Given their political history, it’s hard to trust them. However, the PDP should be given a chance to learn from past experiences. We shouldn't shut the door on them. If they are willing to correct their previous mistakes, they should be accepted. I believe secular parties won’t fall into the BJP’s trap again. The central administration and the government in Jammu and Kashmir have caused enough harm. They have damaged the bridges that connected the people of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country. To rebuild those bridges, we need a government that believes in democracy, secularism, and the constitution.

Why was it not possible to keep everyone united in the alliance?

Disagreements are natural in alliances. This was evident in many states during the Lok Sabha elections as well. Even with differences of opinion, alliances normally work together for a common cause. True, the PDP could have achieved more if it had been part of the INDIA alliance. The immediate priority is to establish a non-BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir. The crucial thing is to protect the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the country. So, while the pre-election alliance is important, the post-election alliance matters even more. There are still possibilities ahead.

The BJP is contesting only 19 seats in Kashmir. The opposition is spreading claims that the BJP has formed secret agreements with some small parties. What’s the basis for this?

It’s true. Who are these small parties? The BJP preaches against terrorism on one hand, while on the other, it makes alliances with terrorist organisations and their leaders. Just read the statements from some of the groups that have formed secret alliances with the BJP this time. These organisations and leaders are the conspirators of the BJP. Isn’t it odd that as soon as the BJP befriends them, they are suddenly seen as brave patriots? To the BJP, they are patriots while everyone else is a traitor. Such tactics are taken solely for electoral success. Winning or losing elections is part of the process. The real issue is faith in democracy. Those in power should create hope for the future. After destroying that hope, they claim it’s all for the good of the country. I urge them not to use this great nation for narrow interests.

Is there confidence that the INDIA alliance will come to power?

I have hope. Even though the BJP raises exaggerations and high expectations, people can see the reality. Take Ayodhya, for example. A temple was built there, but it didn’t change the election outcomes in Ayodhya or Faizabad. One should not underestimate the intelligence and wisdom of the people. Even if they are driven by emotions temporarily, they will eventually return to reality. The people of Jammu and Kashmir will also use their intelligence in this way.

The last question of the interview was about Yousuf Tarigami’s friendship with Sitaram Yechury. Tarigami paused for some time before responding. His eyes filled with tears, and his words slurred. "Sitaram was the leader these times needed. He was a friend to all, able to bring everyone together despite differences. Jammu and Kashmir has lost a most loyal friend," Tarigami said.