20% satisfied, 80% respondents dissatisfied with NC Govt’s first year: Ziraat Times Poll

Activists, analysts and citizens weigh in on one year of NC governance

Ziraat Times Team Report

Srinagar: As the National Conference (NC)-led government completed its first year in office on Tuesday, a majority of respondents in a Ziraat Times opinion poll expressed dissatisfaction with its performance, citing unfulfilled promises, slow progress and lack of visible change on the ground.

Out of 344 respondents as of 8 p.m. on Thuraday, October 16, 275 (around 80%) said they were not satisfied, while 69 (about 20%) said they were satisfied with the government’s first-year performance.

The online poll conducted through Whatsapp groups and social media  asked readers a simple question: “As the NC Government completes one year in office today, are you satisfied with its performance in the first year?”

Public comments reflected a mix of frustration, guarded optimism and calls for stronger delivery on promises.

The most dissatisfying trend was observed in horticulture-related Whatsapp groups, reflecting the distress faced by apple farmers due to logistical and perceived political inaction by the National Conference government.

“The key takeaway from this poll is that people are expecting delivery. It is true this government has many constraints and challenges related with its authority and power, but, in the end, public perception matters”, says Syed Mubarik, a political analyst.

“NC leaders must take this mood seriously. Times have changed. The governance model of 1990s would not work in 2025. NC must think more creatively and embrace an out of box governance model. Its leaders must come out of their governance nostalgia of 1980s and 1990s. This poll, and the broader public opinion must worry National Conference”, he added.

Prominent activist Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat said, “The first year of the NC Government is a wait-and-watch phase. Now it is time to fulfill all the promises made to the people of Jammu & Kashmir. I hope the promises will be fulfilled, at least those which are doable and achievable.”

From Kupwara, activist Shahid ul Islam said he was “very much satisfied” since he “had no expectations of them doing something on ground.”

Adding a scathing critique, Rao Farman Ali said the NC suffers from “deep inertia cloaked in rhetorical sophistication,” adding that the party “now mirrors oligarchic factionalism—more theatre than governance.”

Jamsheed Ahmed highlighted that “all issues remain pending,” especially “the main one — the reservation issue.”

Journalist and analyst Murtaza Shibli offered a relatively positive view, saying, “Given the situation, the NC has done fairly well. The challenges are far too many, but one must not lose focus, momentum and hope.”

Others voiced discontent. Mudasir Ahmed called it “a year of delusions and betrayals,” accusing the Chief Minister of neglecting legislative duties. Aadil Bhat said, “People still have faith in NC’s vision, but that faith depends on delivery. Let the leadership rise to the occasion.”

Rayees Maqbool pointed to “MLAs’ salary hikes and cavalcade pomp,” while Mir Mushtaq Hassan noted that “every government wishes to contribute more or less, but there are forces that create obstacles.”

Omar Abdullah defends Government’s record

Responding to questions at a press conference held in Jammu, marking the government’s first anniversary, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that his administration “couldn’t have done better under the prevalent circumstances” in Jammu and Kashmir.

“It would make no sense for us to remain satisfied with our work so far; ultimately, it is the people who will decide after five years through their votes,” the Chief Minister said. “We want the people to be satisfied with our work. I believe we couldn’t have done better under these circumstances, but we will do much better in the future.”

Omar Abdullah added that the government’s term was for five years, not one. “No government can fulfill all promises in just one year,” he said, noting that his administration had already “fulfilled its promise of passing the resolution in cabinet and bringing it to the Assembly.”

Public mood: Disappointed but hopeful

While public opinion tilted strongly toward disappointment, some respondents urged patience, saying one year was too short to judge a government’s full performance. Still, the message from the Ziraat Times poll was clear — the people expect delivery, not rhetoric, in the NC government’s second year in office.