As the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections approach, the air is thick with promises and rhetoric. Over the years, we've heard pledges of autonomy, restoration of Article 370, and the return of statehood. But the reality is that many of these promises have turned out to be little more than political drama. It’s time to move beyond these hollow assurances and focus on what truly matters: development, infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, education, and electricity.

For too long, the discourse in Jammu and Kashmir has been dominated by promises that do not directly impact the daily lives of its residents. Issues of autonomy and statehood should not overshadow the basic needs of the people. We need leaders who prioritize development over divisive politics, who will work tirelessly to improve our roads, build hospitals, ensure uninterrupted electricity, and foster tourism, which is the backbone of our economy.

What the People Want: Voices from the Ground

To understand what the people truly desire from their leaders, I spoke with residents across 10 different constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir. Their voices reflect the collective yearning for progress and tangible change.

Shabir Ahmad, from Ganderbal constituency, said, "We have heard enough about Article 370 and autonomy. What we need now are jobs for our youth and better infrastructure. Our roads are in poor condition, and the healthcare facilities are lacking. Promises of restoring old privileges won’t feed our families or secure our future. We need leaders who will focus on practical issues, like improving education, providing clean water, and ensuring that we have the basics of life. It's time for a representative who understands our daily struggles and is committed to addressing them."

Parveen Begum, from Anantnag constituency, emphasized the need for education: "My vote will go to the candidate who promises to build schools and improve the quality of education in our area. Our children deserve a better future, and that starts with proper education. We’ve been neglected for too long, with political leaders focusing on issues that do not affect our day-to-day lives. If a leader can ensure that our children have access to good schools, qualified teachers, and the resources they need to succeed, they will have my support. Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty in our region."

Abdul Rashid, from Kupwara constituency, focused on healthcare: "Our hospitals are under-equipped, and in emergencies, we have to travel to Srinagar, which is often too late. Healthcare should be a priority for any candidate who wants our votes. We need proper healthcare facilities in every constituency, with well-trained doctors, modern equipment, and enough medicine. It’s not enough to just build a hospital; we need these facilities to be functional and accessible to everyone, regardless of their income. A leader who can guarantee healthcare for all, especially in remote areas like ours, is the one who deserves our vote."

Neha Sharma, from Jammu East constituency, highlighted the importance of electricity: "Power cuts are a daily problem in our area, and it's particularly hard during the harsh winters. We need a representative who can ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, especially for our businesses and during extreme weather conditions. It's frustrating to see our children struggle to study by candlelight, and our elderly suffer in the cold without heating. The government must prioritize a stable and reliable power supply. A leader who can address this fundamental issue and ensure that we have electricity throughout the year will earn my vote."

Farooq Mir, from Baramulla constituency, spoke about tourism: "Tourism is the lifeline of our economy, and yet, it's not being given the attention it deserves. The next MLA must focus on boosting tourism by improving facilities, ensuring the safety of tourists, and promoting our region globally. We have so much potential, with our beautiful landscapes and rich culture, but we need better infrastructure and marketing to attract visitors. Our roads need to be better, our hotels need to be up to international standards, and our local businesses need support to thrive. A candidate who can truly revive tourism in Baramulla will have my full support."

Rukhsana Bano, from Pulwama constituency, mentioned women's empowerment: "As a woman, I want a leader who will focus on women's issues. We need support for women’s self-help groups, access to microfinance, and programs that ensure the safety and empowerment of women in our society. Too often, women’s voices are not heard, and our needs are ignored. A true leader will not just talk about women’s rights but will take concrete actions to improve our lives. From ensuring that girls can go to school safely to providing opportunities for women to start their own businesses, this is the kind of leadership Pulwama needs."

Mohammad Yousuf, from Kulgam constituency, called for agricultural development: "Our farmers are struggling, and agriculture is the backbone of our community. We need a leader who understands the challenges we face and is willing to fight for better irrigation facilities, modern farming techniques, and access to markets. Farming is our livelihood, and without proper support, we are being left behind. A candidate who prioritizes agricultural development, who listens to the concerns of farmers, and who can bring about real change in this sector, will have my vote. We need someone who can help us move from subsistence farming to thriving, sustainable agriculture."

Sapna Verma, from Kathua constituency, stressed on cleanliness: "Sanitation and waste management are big issues in our area, and it's affecting our health and the environment. We need a leader who will make cleanliness a priority, who will ensure that our streets are clean, our waste is properly managed, and our environment is protected. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it's about our health and our future. A representative who can implement effective waste management systems, promote cleanliness, and educate people on the importance of keeping our communities clean will get my vote. We need to live in a cleaner, healthier environment."

Riyaz Khan, from Poonch constituency, expressed concerns about youth engagement: "Our youth are losing hope because they don’t see a future here. The next MLA should focus on creating job opportunities, vocational training, and engaging young people in constructive activities. We need leaders who will prioritize the future of our young people, providing them with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed. It's heartbreaking to see so many talented young people leaving our region because they don’t see any prospects here. A leader who is committed to investing in the youth, giving them a reason to stay and build their future here, will have my vote.

Mehboob Ali, from Budgam constituency, urged for better transport: "Public transport is in shambles in Budgam. We need better connectivity, safer roads, and more reliable public transport options. A candidate who will work to improve our transportation infrastructure, making it easier for people to travel for work, school, and healthcare, will have my vote. Transportation is crucial for economic growth, and without it, our community will continue to struggle. We need a leader who understands the importance of this issue and is committed to making tangible improvements. Our roads need to be safe, our buses need to be reliable, and our people need to be able to move freely."

As voters, it is our responsibility to look beyond the rhetoric and elect candidates who have a clear vision for the future. Our MLAs should not just be voices in the assembly but active agents of change in our communities. They should be accountable to the people and committed to working on the ground to address our real issues.

"In these elections, let's not be swayed by empty promises. It's easy for politicians to talk about lofty ideals, but we need leaders who will address the real challenges we face every day—whether it's fixing broken roads, ensuring our hospitals are well-equipped, or keeping the lights on in our homes. Our vote is our voice, and we must use it to demand tangible progress. This time, let's choose leaders who will truly serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir and make a difference in our lives," urges the author.

In conclusion, the upcoming elections are an opportunity for us to choose leaders who will prioritize development over divisive politics. Let’s vote for candidates who promise not just words but action—those who will build schools, hospitals, roads, and who will ensure that every household has electricity. It’s time to vote for progress, for a better future, and for leaders who will truly serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Let’s cast our votes wisely. One of our regular writers conducted this survey by contacting the individuals above for their views on the assembly elections.

 Email:---------------------vaizzargar@rediffmail.com