The Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), an emerging political force in Jammu and Kashmir, has gained attention for its emphasis on addressing pressing local issues such as unemployment, healthcare, education, and social justice. Over the years, the party has positioned itself as a champion of idea of coalescing sentiment and development jigsaw. However, its successes in these areas are increasingly overshadowed by the glaring absence of intra-party democracy, a fundamental principle that forms the bedrock of credible and transparent political organizations.
AIP’s Contributions: Addressing Local Needs
1. Focus on Employment: The AIP has advocated for job creation, emphasizing the importance of reviving traditional industries such as arts, crafts, and agriculture. The party has also supported entrepreneurship at the grassroots level, seeking to empower individuals and small businesses.
2. Healthcare Advocacy: The AIP has consistently called for improvements in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote areas. The party’s push for better primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare services has resonated with a population often underserved by government initiatives.
3. Social Welfare: Initiatives such as addressing drug addiction, empowering women, and supporting marginalized communities have been central to the AIP’s agenda. The party has called for robust measures to tackle these issues, including community-based solutions and partnerships with civil society organizations.
These efforts have earned the party considerable goodwill among its supporters. The AIP’s focus on regional issues and practical solutions has helped it carve out a niche in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Paradox of Intra-Party Democracy
While the AIP has shown promise in addressing public concerns, its internal functioning paints a starkly different picture. The lack of intra-party democracy is a significant flaw that undermines the party’s credibility.
1. Centralized Leadership: Decision-making within the AIP remains concentrated in the hands of a few leaders or rather a single leader. This centralization of power stifles diversity of opinion and discourages new voices from contributing to the party’s growth.
2. Absence of Elections: The AIP has failed to institutionalize regular intra-party elections, denying its members the opportunity to choose their leaders democratically. This not only alienates grassroots workers but also contradicts the party’s public advocacy for democracy and transparency.
3. Marginalization of Dissent: Reports of dissenting voices being sidelined within the party are troubling. The inability to accommodate diverse perspectives points to an organizational culture that prioritizes loyalty over merit and innovation.
4. Limited Representation: The party’s leadership structure does not reflect the diversity of its voter base. Women, youth, and marginalized communities remain underrepresented in key decision-making positions, despite the AIP’s claims of inclusivity.
5. Lack of Accountability: Without robust accountability mechanisms, there is little oversight of the party’s internal affairs. This lack of transparency raises questions about the AIP’s ability to uphold democratic values in governance.
6. A Family fiefdom: Abdul Rashid Shiekh aka Er. Rashid, his brother Shiekh Khurshid along with two sons are the main guns calling the shots, thus leading to disenfranchised lot of workers who intend sway in directions of cool breeze, yet they are always skeptical of the notion given their name and fame is socially acceptable with the brand AIP. Not far is the day when one would see dissenting voices coming out of each and every cranny of AIP landscape.
Consequences of Internal Dysfunction
The absence of intra-party democracy has several adverse effects on the AIP’s overall effectiveness:
Erosion of Credibility: The gap between the party’s democratic ideals and its internal practices creates a trust deficit among voters.
Stifled Growth: Without avenues for grassroots participation, the party risks losing its connection with the people it seeks to represent.
Conflict and Fragmentation: Unresolved internal disputes can lead to factionalism, weakening the party’s unity and electoral prospects.
Recommendations for Reform
For the AIP to emerge as a truly transformative political force, it must address its internal shortcomings. Here are some recommendations:
1. Introduce Regular Elections: Institutionalizing regular and transparent elections within the party is crucial for fostering democratic values and empowering grassroots members.
2. Decentralize Decision-Making: Creating consultative bodies at various levels can ensure that decisions reflect the collective wisdom of the party.
3. Promote Inclusivity: Actively involve women, youth, and marginalized groups in leadership roles to make the party’s structure more representative of its electorate.
4. Encourage Open Dialogue: Establishing platforms for constructive debate and dissent will help the party address internal conflicts and improve policy-making.
5. Strengthen Accountability: Introducing mechanisms for financial and operational transparency can enhance trust among members and voters alike.
The Awami Ittehad Party has demonstrated its potential to address the pressing needs of Jammu and Kashmir. Its focus on employment, healthcare, education, and social welfare reflects a genuine commitment to improving the lives of its constituents. However, the party’s inability to practice democracy within its ranks undermines its credibility and hampers its long-term growth.
For the AIP to truly fulfill its promise of transformative governance, it must first reform itself. By embracing intra-party democracy and fostering a culture of inclusivity and transparency, the party can strengthen its foundation and inspire greater trust among the people. Only then can the AIP evolve into a political force capable of delivering on its ambitious vision for Jammu and Kashmir.
Rizwan Ashraf is a political columnist and educator based in North Kashmir. He can be contacted at rizwan.uod@gmail.com
