Abki Baar Modi-Mufti Sarkar: In J&K meets the North and the South poles
Politics like cricket is unpredictable and this can be more firmly said after the alliance of Peoples Democratic Party and Bhartiya Janta Party. Two political parties with views apart from each other have formed an alliance, something of which Omar Adbullah might have not dreamt of with his eyes wide open.
The ideologies were so different that it took close to 70 days to arrive at a consensus. Jammu & Kashmir, state which has always been ravaged by tragedies, peace and stability are in dearth to be seen there.
The state has faced numerous issues due to its geographical location; amongst many here are a few issues that have attracted the attention of all the political parties-
PDP wanted to withdraw AFPSA (Arms Force Special Power Act) in a phased manner, PDP had earlier said that it would review the disturbed areas, BJP had opposed to the withdrawal of AFSPA. The coalition government would now review the situation of the disturbed areas and the final call would be taken by PM Modi.
BJP always wanted to revoke article 370. The BJP’s demand on Article 370 had created much of furore whereas PDP wanted to strengthen Article 370. The alliance would carry on the current constitutional provisions. The situation might be reviewed after 3 years, which is also an informal agreement.
BJP had always considered the separatist anti-national and the dialogue with them was never an option for the saffron party whereas PDP always had a soft stand towards them. The new government would indulge in dialogue with the Kashmiri separatists.
Apart from these, there are certain other issues including that of sustenance of refugees from West Pakistan, BJP had promised state citizenship for the refugees. The government would take measures to provide a onetime resettlement to the refugees from POK.
Though a lot of settlement has been made to arrive at a Common Minimum Programme for government formation in the state, both the parties have not started at a good note. Saeed thanked the Pakistani militants for peaceful polling in the state; the BJP distanced itself from the remark but were dragged into the controversy.
It would be interesting to see how BJP protects itself from such remarks made by its political partner moreover the upcoming state elections have given a ray of hope to the political spectators to hope for some unimaginable alliances, like SP and BSP or DMK and AIDMK. You never know after all it is politics and all the political leaders are generous enough to contribute their bit to serve the Aam Admi.
