BJP emerges as a big player in J&K

Srinagar: BJP is emerging as a force to reckon with in the forthcoming J&K assembly elections. What has encouraged BJP to aim high is the response Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received during his two visits to the state recently.

After capturing power in New Delhi and claiming three of the six Lok Sabha seats from Jammu and Kashmir, the saffron party is hoping to replicate this in the assembly elections by targeting 44-plus seats in the 87-member house, up from its current tally of 11.

It would be an uphill task for the ruling NC-Congress alliance to defeat the upbeat BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party national president Amit Shah.

If there’s any state that dismantles the meaning of phrase ‘Aaya Ram Gaya Ram’, that’s Jammu and Kashmir. The state has – more often than not – witnessed a single party rule ever since it merged with the Union of India in 1947.

But “change is the ultimate law of nature,” they say. And yes, there has been a dramatic change in the political landscape of J&K in last few years, especially after the drubbing of the ruling NC-Congress alliance in the general elections 2014.

What used to be a mere formality for voters is going to be the real tough task this time around, given the kind of contest that this election is promising. This time the state is witnessing a cut-throat competition in all the 87 Assembly constituencies.

Though the state has been mostly governed by National Conference (NC) apart from President’s Rule, since the creation of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the state has seen a coalition government in 2002 and 2008. However, Congress shared power on both the occasions – with PDP in 2002 and NC in 2008.

But this time around, while NC is blaming Congress for the poll debacle, Congress is busy solving the infighting in the party. So, if the results go against them should not surprise many.

Even though all major regional political parties in the state have rejected an alliance with BJP, with many even alleging that the saffron party is trying to divide Jammu and Kashmir and should be kept away to preserve the fibre of the society, politicians tempt to go with the wind which is currently in favour of BJP.

More than 10,000 polling booths, majority of them hyper sensitive and sensitive will be set up for over 75 lakh voters to elect their representatives in the state, where separatists have already started anti-poll campaign, particularly in Kashmir Valley.

Meanwhile, the widening chasm between the ruling parties became clear when NC and Congress ministers called separate press conferences to claim credit for hiking the retirement age of government employees to 60 years from the existing 58. NC has 28, PDP 21, Congress 17 and BJP 11 seats in the state assembly with independents and others accounting for 10 seats.
 
With Modi in power at the centre, BJP believes it would make mincemeat of its rivals in the Jammu region, which accounts for 37 seats. (The Kashmir Valley has 46 seats and Ladakh four).
 
Whether or not BJP is able to realise its lofty dream of getting 44 seats, the fact remains it has emerged as a force to reckon with in the Jammu region. Heady on the wine of success, the spirits are already running high among the rank and file of BJP in J&K.

That it’s impossible to win the elections without a solid development plank is a foregone conclusion, the real question is who will provide that? The state which is simmering with border tensions and conflicts needs a steady and strong government which can protect them and provide them with opportunities. The youths want quality education and job opportunities, which the ruling government has failed to provide.

Now, that they have the chance to choose what’s right for them, it would be really interesting to see who emerges victorious in this contest of hopes.