In the just concluded elections he did not get enough seats to rule but that did not impact PDP’s status as the first polled political party in Kashmir, a rare feat in record time.
A master of double games and a long haul player, Mufti has almost hijacked part of the separatist agenda. He is now deftly setting the agenda for the ruling coalition.
Sulking but not showing, Mufti is keeping all his cards close to his chest. Just when he may just pull out the trump card is giving sleepless nights to many of his adversaries. Septuagenarian Mufti has less time on his side to translate his agenda into action.
Ghulam Nabi Azad: The Survivor
Azad may have returned to the ultimate power center – Delhi, after ‘disastrous’ stint in J&K yet he wields considerable power with 15 of the 17 Congress lawmakers more loyal to his person than to party. His national electoral management experience stood him in good stead as he carefully planned the selection of candidates such that even if congress loses, he wins. As such, Azad emerged as a key player even in a situation where he was sandwiched between PDP and BJP. Azad proven track record his mettle as Congress General Secretary for other states too. Had some old rivalries not surfaced at New Delhi, Azad would have been holding a lucrative post at New Delhi. Currently posted as the Congress man in Orissa, Azad is always an option for Congress in J&K. Has a penchant for gardens.
Fayaz Ahmad Kaloo: The Baron
The Samir Jain of Kashmir who aspires to be the Robert Murdoch of the state. Kaloo gave Kashmir its first English newspaper, which, over the years, has evolved, into the most influential daily. After adding an Urdu paper to his portfolio, and with plans of forays into the electronic space, the group is headed to be the most powerful media house of the state. He has shown considerable business acumen. Despite some competition from fledgling dailies, Rising Kashmir in English and Etalaat in Urdu, the reach of his twin publications has given Kaloo an unassailable position to influence decisions. Everybody who is anybody needs him to send his word across. Very close to the throne irrespective of who is sitting on it, he is deft manager of the political and bureaucratic set up. His greatest asset is his lack of ideological commitment in a place sharply divided across ideological lines.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq: The Cleric
Heir to an affluent religious family that has an institutional sanctity, Mirwaiz’s influence is intensive if not extensive. He dominates, like none else, the old part of Srinagar, with Jamia Masjid as his uncontested platform. Despite declining support base and encroachment of turf by leaders like Geelani and Yasin Malik, Mirwaiz still has a potential to bounce back.
His power stems from the fact that he is seen as the reasonable face of separatism by the Indian establishment. He is someone they can do business with. But that is precisely his weakness too. He has a strong lobby in US, Pakistan and even state bureaucracy. Once included among Asia Times influential people, Mirwaiz survived even when India ditched his faction of Hurriyat after talks. His family’s unseen affiliations with Abdullahs once made talk of double Omar accord a close reality. Arrested only once, Mirwaiz’s only problem with India has been securing visa for his American wife.
Davinder Rana: The Confidante
Rana is Omar Abdullah’s man Friday. He represents the nexus between business and politics. It might not be an unholy alliance, as Rana’s foray into politics was not driven by his desire to further his business cause. His politics is hinged on personal relations with Omar Abdullah. Nevertheless, the business baron has carved out a distinct place for himself in the backroom politics of the state in just a few years. Rana clout in the wider political set up draws from his interests in media as he own Take One Television and through that also owns the cable distribution rights in the state and operates a leading cable channel. Literally, Rana decides what goes on air in J&K. To his credit, despite huge pressures, the channel has been non-partisan and has not delegated into a party mouth piece. This shows the mettle of the man. Personally affable, he has friends across political parties. Currently, he is coming under some attack from the party vanguard, but is deftly handling that. His power comes from his exceptional loyalty to Omar and is His Master’s Voice!
