Srinagar – In a significant statement made in Kashmir, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan asserted that the mandate to govern in a democracy stems from the ballot box, not from familial lineage. He emphasized the sovereignty of the people and highlighted that leadership is determined by the electorate.
Khan made these remarks while attending an event at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC). He underscored that the person who governs is chosen through the ballot box, receiving a mandate from the people for a specific period. "They are not sovereign; the people of this country are sovereign," he stated.
The Governor cited President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi as examples to illustrate that there are no limits to what individuals can achieve in a democracy. He noted that their ascensions send a message to the common person, especially the youth, demonstrating that the system places no restrictions on how high one can aspire. However, he stressed the importance of earning the people's trust, after which "the sky is the limit".
Khan also addressed the issue of Jammu & Kashmir statehood, emphasizing the need for normalcy and the rule of law before full autonomy can be realized. He conveyed that the Prime Minister desires Kashmir to have the autonomy to decide for itself but establishing normalcy is a collective effort. "It is a collective effort between you and us to create conditions where the rule of law is upheld in the same manner in Kashmir as it is elsewhere," he added.
Furthermore, Khan confirmed the readiness for the first phase of assembly polls, calling elections a celebration of democracy. He expressed confidence in the strength of democracy in the country.
The Governor's statements come at a time when elections are a focal point in Bihar, with approximately 30 million laborers migrating from the state every year. Concerns have been raised about whether these migrant workers can exercise their voting rights, with many citing a lack of money for travel expenses and the inability to get leave from their jobs. Despite these challenges, many migrants express interest in politics and follow political rallies and news on platforms like YouTube.
In the 2020 assembly election, a significant number of migrant workers voted because they had returned to their hometowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, for many, especially women working as domestic workers, securing leave to vote remains a significant hurdle.
Governor Khan's message reinforces the importance of democratic participation and the power of the ballot box in shaping the future of governance, regardless of background or legacy. His emphasis on earning the people's trust and upholding the rule of law resonates with the aspirations of a region seeking normalcy and greater autonomy.
