Political systems across the world thrive on stability, integrity, and adherence to principles. These qualities ensure continuity of vision and inspire public confidence. In Kashmir, however, the political landscape has long been plagued by inconsistency, opportunism, and a lack of ideological commitment. The result has been a fragile system where political loyalties shift with alarming frequency, and betrayal is no longer seen as an exception but as an accepted norm.

The Culture of Shifting Loyalties

Frequent changes in political allegiance have created an environment of deep uncertainty. Parties and leaders often drift from one ideological plank to another, not out of conviction but in pursuit of personal or political gain. This constant realignment has weakened institutions, diluted political narratives, and left the public confused and disillusioned.
Such instability has also made it nearly impossible to build long-term policies or vision-based governance. When leaders are driven primarily by immediate interests, larger public concerns get sidelined, and politics becomes a game of expediency rather than responsibility.

The Role of Allurements and Opportunism

Allurements—whether in the form of power, position, wealth, or influence—have played a decisive role in shaping political behaviour. These temptations have often overshadowed ethical considerations, turning politics into a profession rather than a public service.
This opportunistic culture has damaged the very spirit of democratic engagement. When public representatives remain motivated by self-interest, the essential values of sacrifice, accountability, and dedication lose their relevance. As a result, the dream of nurturing mature, value-based politics has remained distant and elusive.

Governance: A Distant Promise

The consequences of this moral and political erosion are most acutely felt in the sphere of governance. For the common citizen, good governance and accountability appear to be unattainable goals rather than standard expectations. Administrative inefficiencies have become habitual, and public services often operate at the mercy of red-tapism and indifference.
Corruption and favouritism have permeated daily functioning, harming meritocracy and discouraging capable, honest individuals from contributing meaningfully. When merit is ignored and mediocrity rewarded, institutions lose their vigour and the entire administrative machinery suffers.

The Experience of the Common Citizen

The ordinary people of Kashmir often feel as though they are subjected to a form of collective punishment. Delays, denials, procedural hurdles, and an unresponsive bureaucracy have become a routine part of public experience. Basic services that should be delivered efficiently—whether related to healthcare, education, public utilities, or welfare—are frequently caught in layers of paperwork and official apathy.
This administrative decay has drained public energy and weakened the connection between the state and its citizens. People begin to lose faith not only in the ruling class but in the very idea of governance.

The Collapse of Work Culture

A major factor contributing to misgovernance is the decline in work culture. Lack of professionalism, delayed decision-making, absence of accountability, and a casual approach to duties have become deeply entrenched. When institutions lack discipline and responsibility, the entire development process suffers.
This results in slow execution of developmental projects, inconsistent public service delivery, and a widening gap between policy announcements and their on-ground implementation.

The Ethical Vacuum

At the core of this crisis lies an ethical vacuum. When principles and values are pushed to the margins, the entire socio-political fabric becomes vulnerable. Politics without ethics becomes mere management of power; governance without principles becomes a mechanism of control rather than service.
Reversing this decline requires more than administrative reforms. It calls for a moral awakening—an introspection by political actors, administrators, and the larger society. Integrity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to public welfare must be restored as guiding principles.

The Way Forward: Reclaiming Hope

Despite the difficulties, the path to recovery is not impossible. Strengthening institutions, promoting meritocracy, enforcing accountability, and nurturing a culture of political honesty can pave the way toward meaningful change. Civil society, youth, and independent voices have an important role to play in demanding transparency and resisting political opportunism.
Good governance is not a luxury; it is a right. And with collective will, sustained awareness, and principled leadership, Kashmir can move towards a political culture rooted in ethics, responsibility, and genuine public service.

Email:-----------------------pzdnasir07@gmail.com