The exit polls in Jammu and Kashmir have given a clear indication that PDP will be the front runner in the state getting maximum number of seats in Kashmir while BJP will be second largest party dominating the Jammu region. The National Conference, Congress coalition is down and out but still there is going to be a hung assembly with all the parties including some minor ones getting a couple of seats. With a hung assembly in offing it is most likely that PDP led by Muftis which has clearly been soft towards Modi, and BJP will form the next government in the state. The formation of this alliance, and the running of the PDP – BJP coalition will be an interesting phenomenon as both parties are totally opposite in what they stand for in terms of ideology as well as poll promises which they have made to the people. While PDP is a Kashmir centric party, the BJP has strong roots in Jammu and they both cater to their respective constituencies. The PDP has professed soft separatism, and called for more autonomy for the state whereas the BJP calls for total integration of J&K with India which is possible by the lifting of Article 370 in the state. This is a stand which is anathema to the Kashmiri leadership of PDP which is vocal in it’s opposition to BJP on this issue. PDP has repeated called for more autonomy for the state, and more strengthening of the Article 370, and it would be interesting to see how these two parties reconcile their differences. PDP also has committed to give more autonomy to the sub- regions in Jammu province, and this move is also in opposition to the BJP’s stated position that this area can not be divided in the name of religion, and geography. The BJP thinktank believes that sub-regional issues are being raised to break the unity of Jammu province which is it’s stronghold, and in case both parties form the government these differences would certainly cause fissures. As per the exit poll results, it is most likely that political space is likely to be dominated by the PDP, BJP but there could be a number of seats for the Congress and NC as well as Panthers Party. In Kashmir the space is likely to be dominated by PDP while NC is going to play the second fiddle. The BJP’s primary agenda is the centralization of the political space, and if it wins in Jammu and Ladakh like the Lok Sabha elections then it would mean that agenda of the party would certainly hold importance as it will become a part of the government. There are also analysts who suggest that regional parties like NC, and PDP should join hands to ensure that interests of Jammu and Kashmir as a special state are not diluted. However, the strong differences between the NC and PDP leadership, and the need for change which has prompted massive voting in Kashmir will ensure that PDP allies with BJP only. The BJP has to ensure that it unfolds it’s agenda in a tactical manner, and does not steamroll it’s allies. The party has to take a realistic bet on what it can achieve in the limited liberty which a coalition with PDP will offer. The need of the hour is to ensure that people get the change which they voted for, and in Kashmir they favoured the PDP while in Jammu the BJP is the chosen one. Both the parties when in power should enter into an equal power sharing agreement with both Kashmir and Jammu regions getting a shot for the Chief Ministership. There should be equal distribution of cabinet posts, and the bureaucracy which rules the state should be sent a strong message that the new government will work for the people of the state. The need is to focus on ending corruption, building the economy, creating jobs, and boosting infrastructure. The issues which divide the two parties can be dealt through confidence building measures, and testing waters for the political change if it is required. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have great hopes from the new government, and they have voted for change to end the misrule and corruption, and bring in a new leadership which has the vision of Narendra Modi, and his leadership dynamism . The Indian PM has invested heavily in J&K, and his leadership, and support will be equally necessary to bring J&K back on path of development. The hopes of people are high now it is time for the local leadership to shun parochial interests, and work for the people of the state. Share this Article ✳ NEWS TODAY✳
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 07:39:42 +0000
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