PDP-BJP alliance talk stirs mixed feelings in Kashmir

As Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) weighs options of forging alliance with rightwing party BJP to form next government in the State, people, here are keenly observing the unfolding political events.
The rightwing party has more than doubled its numbers from 11 seats in 2008 to 25 in the just concluded assembly elections. Although it emerged as second largest party in the State behind PDP’s 28 seats, the saffron party has got highest vote share in the State.
BJP, however, failed to open an account in Kashmir but did fairly well in Hindu dominated Jammu, raising it to a position of kingmaker in the State. The party is in talks with BJP for forming a coalition government in the State.
The possibility of BJP-PDP forming government in the State has stirred a debate in the region, especially in the Valley, where people voted against the rightwing party.
A teacher Altaf Khan said for Kashmiris, it is a non-issue. “It doesn’t matter whether BJP comes into power or not”.
“All parties, which participate in the elections, abide by Indian constitution. So I don’t know why this debate is thrown at commoners,” he said.
The BJP, calls for abrogation of Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir under Indian federation. However, the party skipped reference to these issues in its election manifesto and poll campaign.
“It will be a big loss for Kashmir if BJP comes to power,” says Mushtaq Ahmed, a bus conductor.
He said they will have to live like second-class citizens in their own place.
“What this communal party has done in Gujarat,” says a young commuter traveling in Ahmed’s bus.  “They will repeat it here”.
Mohammad Shafi Khan, a resident of Natipora, Srinagar, said it has both merits and demerits.
“On one hand, BJP might try to erode Article 370, etc but on the other, it might push for the development of the region,” he said.
Khan opines that BJP’s coming to power will generate employment in the region.
Hilal Mir, a senior journalist, believes certain things are inevitable with BJP forming the government. “Jammu is already a laboratory of Hindutva. They will now push their Hindutva agenda to Kashmir as well.”
He said BJP will also, at the same time, try for the complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.
“BJP forming the government would be a counter-effective insurgency when much of the damage has already been done by other political parties,” said Hilal.
Dr Nazir Ahmed, physician, said if BJP is part of the government, it will prove beneficial for people of the State.
“In fact, regional parties should join hands to strengthen BJP for prosperity of Kashmir,” he said.
Referring to BJP’s hard stance on Kashmir, Nazir said, “There is a huge gulf between saying and doing. The party can’t touch Article 370.”
Maqbool Ahmed Dar, a retired headmaster, said BJP coming to power in the State will not be a good thing. “You never know how many new Yatra spot (religious tourism) they will start.  You will suddenly wake up and realise Kashmir has become a Holy land for Hindus”.
“It’s a physiological war the party is playing with us,” says Mir Javaid Ahmed, a banker.
He said he feels it is more about the ego than forming the government.
Senior faculty member at Media Education Research Centre, University of Kashmir, Nasir Mirza, said, “Jammu and Kashmir is a very sensitive place. So if BJP or any party comes to power, they will not try to do anything that will disturb the peace and stability of Kashmir.”
However, Mirza said the fringe elements within the BJP might provoke the party to take any untoward step. (In arrangement with Authint Mail)