‘I’d be surprised if people of J&K aren’t disappointed’

What’s the message of the verdict?
Despite the threat of violence and the existing political environment, people have elected legislators of their choice who they hope will address their daily problems. In many places in the Valley, the voting percentage was higher than what even I had expected. The world was watching and saw that all talk of coercion and stage-managed elections was highly exaggerated. Except for two or three incidents and the occasional mobilisation of 20-30 people, there was nothing. Everyone saw the process as a striking exercise of transparency. Of course, we paid a price. From the date of the announcement of the poll dates to the counting, we lost 129 men from the army and paramilitary forces.

But there is disappointment that a new Government is not yet in place.
The people voted for a Government of their choice. But the elections resulted in a hung Assembly as has happened in many other states in the country. The anti-incumbency factor did play a role. In this election, political issues took a backseat and issues of daily concern—employment, drinking water, power supply—were of utmost importance. Voters didn’t vote on political and emotional issues.

You said anti-incumbency played a role.
I don’t want to be judgmental but there was anti-incumbency. People wanted change. Expectations are sometimes higher than can be met. We now have to be realistic and to look beyond the immediate situation. (of a hung Assembly) Ups and downs are to be expected in a democratic polity.

What does the verdict mean for the National Conference?
The external factor must be kept in mind. After all, the Government was facing a war-like situation with cross-border terrorism and the proxy war. There was so much effort from the other side to create trouble, but the real issue was the restoration of peace and normalcy. The NC is still the largest party in the Valley and will have to take stock of the situation.

Over the last few days you have met several groups of voters as well as the new legislators. What is the mood of the people?
I would be surprised if the people are not disappointed. But they are also hoping the absence of a new government is short-lived. People didn’t take all these risks for Governor’s rule. They faced grave dangers and came out to vote, but the fact is that the composition of the new Assembly has led to a deadlocked situation.

How long will the deadlock last?
It is too early to say anything. There are two big political groups who have performed well and and there various factors and dynamics at play. The new Assembly is only eight days old and the situation is that even if all the smaller parties and independent MLAs join either the Congress or People’s Democratic Party, they will not be in a majority. We are all hoping for a viable and stable Government which can provide a cohesive administration which will address the problems and aspirations of the people. We need a little more time.

Can there be a backlash or more violence if Governor’s rule continues?
There is some unhappiness and disappointment which people will express. If things don’t work out, people may show their resentment. But for me, there was no option except the imposition of Governor’s rule. There had to be either an elected Government in place or Governor’s rule, there could be no vacuum. If there was a breakdown of machinery because of this, we would have had to face the consequences.

Did you try and persuade Farooq Abdullah to continue as chief minister till a new government was formed?
I personally spoke to him. I also sent him a letter explaining the Constitutional position. I told him it would help if he continued for the next six days or so and that we wanted to avoid Governor’s rule. He wrote back saying he had examined the suggestion and that after taking the advice of advisors, he found it unethical and constitutionally improper to continue. His staying back would have helped, but it was his decision. He later said he wanted to move out and make place for a new chief minister.

There have been statements from Ram Jethmalani, among others, that talks with Hurriyat Conference leaders should continue although they didn’t participate in the elections.
If other groups and personalities who are involved feel this way, they can try and talk to Hurriyat leaders.

With the State under Governor’s rule, what administrative steps are you planning to take?
We are going to address everyday problems of development and employment. Since the past few months, everyone has been pre-occupied with the elections. Decision-making has lagged behind.

The PDP has included issues like withdrawal of the Special Operations Group and the scrapping of POTA in its manifesto. Would any decision be taken on these contentious issues during Governor’s rule?
The SOG was only temporarily withdrawn from two districts from where there were complaints. But they are back on duty. POTA, of course, is in force and its use will depend on future circumstances. These are sensitive issues in the political domain. I will leave it to the elected representatives to decide.

Realistically, how long do you expect Governor’s rule to last?
I cannot set any deadline, but I wish it (formation of a new government— will happen soon enough. In the meantime, we will take decisions and do everything possible to address the problems of the people. What people want is more responsible governance, more transparency, a more effective system of monitoring. Another issue is corruption.

Any plans for strengthening the administrative machinery or making key appointments?
Some changes have already been made and some key appointments and transfers can take place. New advisors may be appointed soon.

You have six months to retire. Will you be returning to New Delhi, as has been speculated, for a new assignment?
I have had a very satisfying innings and am looking forward to a more relaxed life. This job has its high pressure points, I want to retire to my little flat in Vasant Kunj in New Delhi.