BJP-PDP alliance is neither constructive nor destructive

BJP-PDP alliance is neither constructive nor destructive

Introduction:

Two political parties with completely different ideologies came together to form the alliance in Jammu & Kashmir after long term discussions and debates and finally the new government is formed. Some have welcomed the alliance while most have been aginst it. BJP and PDP received support of respective religious groups in J&K, each upset by the alliance. The supporters of PDP stood against the coalition and the long term ally of BJP also condemned the new bond. The view of the two parties have been totally opposite regarding Article 370 and NHPC yet they have agreed to be allies on mutual grounds. Whether or not the alliance shall prove to be constructive for J&K is yet to be known - time will tell the tale - and we can do is predict from what has been in headlines ever since the new government came in power.

Constructive:

1. Expectations have it that the coalition government can ensure “an environment of peace, certainty and stability.” Mufti government can with the help of BJP achieve the strength much needed to fight violence and terrorism in the long-lost paradise on earth. “The government will be transformed into a 'smart government' which will be pro-active, transparent and accountable.”

2. J&K is currently one of the most corrupt states in India. Religious intolerance and hatred in the minds of people can be abolished only when the leaders that both the religions have been supporting come together to give the message of peace and acceptance. This alliance can go a long way if mutual trust and respect is maintained from both sides. The “smart government” can prove to be fruitful to people of this region.

3. They can with the help of the coalition government improve the economic structure of the state through utilization of their own resources, skills and society. “The government will ensure genuine autonomy of institutions of probity which include the state accountability commission, vigilance commission, which will be re-designated as transparency commission and an organization which deals with the Right to Information Act.”

4. The most important motto of the coalition is to ensure the following of the principles of "Insaniyat, Kashmiriyat and Jamhooriyat" of the earlier NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Together they can help facilitate and initiate a sustained and meaningful dialogue with all internal stakeholders including political groups irrespective of their ideological views and predilections.

5. Together they aspire to examine the need for de-notifying disturbed areas which will as a consequence enable the union government to take a final view on the continuation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in these areas.

6. Regarding Article 370 it has been decided that present position will be maintained on all constitutional provisions including special status. We can finally hope for a decision on this matter based on mutual discussions. The government also shows hope for working out a one-time settlement for refugees from Pakistan occupied Kashmir of 1947, 1965 and 1971. If statements are to be believed it will secure a share in the profits of NHPC emanating from Jammu and Kashmir's waters to the state government and will reverse all royalty agreements with NHPC.

Destructive:

1. Their differences over ideologies got them crying foul right at the very beginning when CM Mufti Mohammed Sayeed took the decision to release separatist leader Masarat Alam. The unilateral and unacceptable decision taken by the Mufti Government showed that the two parties cannot be allies and that the differences got over their mutual interests.

2. Both the parties got heavy criticism after the release that the statement of Mufti that the peaceful election was only possible because of the extremists. Opposition took the opportunity in the best possible way recalling “U turns” and double standards. However, things going really bad can be said about allies like Shiv Sena criticizing the government as “opportunists.” This seems like losing old allies to get along with new ones.

Conclusion:

The alliance can go a long-long way in changing the economic and political scenario of J&K only if the two parties understand that a coalition government can only work efficiently when both the parties have equal share in opinion while making decisions. A seized opportunity after the huge loss in New Delhi it is indeed but BJP-PDP can only turn down the criticism if they utilize the opportunity to make living better in the state and instead of turning a deaf ear be respondent towards the problems of the Kashmiris.