BJP Ends Alliance With PDP in Jammu And Kashmir, Says Terrorism, Violence And Radicalisation On The Rise in Valley

Srinagar, June 19: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has ended its alliance with the Jammu And Kashmir People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. Announcing the big decision on Tuesday, BJP J&K in-charge Ram Madhav said, "It is untenable for the party to continue alliance with PDP." This comes just days after the Narendra Modi government decided not to extend the Ramzan ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir. It also comes days after the killings of Rising Kashmir Editor Shujaat Bukhaari and Indian Army jawan Aurangzeb a day ahead of Eid. (What led to the BJP-PDP Split?)

BJP chief Amit Shah held several meetings on Tuesday over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval as well as Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Shortly after the BJP's announcement, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti submitted her resignation to the Governor and went into a huddle with her party. The National Conference, too, called for a party meeting shortly after the announcement.

The BJP and the PDP had formed an alliance after the 2014 Jammu And Kashmir Assembly Elections. While the PDP had won 28 seats, the BJP had got 25. According to reports, the PDP was not happy with the Centre's decision to withdraw ceasefire in the valley.

What led to the BJP PDP break-up

Briefing the media today, Ram Madhav said that there were several reasons that led to the BJP pulling out of the alliance in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that free speech was under threat in the valley. "Terrorism, violence and radicalisation have risen and fundamental rights of the citizens are under danger in the Valley. Shujaat Bukhari's killing is an example," he said.

The BJP said that the party also split over development and peace maintaining issues in Jammu and Kashmir. Madhav also added that the Ramzan ceasefire was not accepted by separatists in the state.

"Centre did everything for the Valley. We've tried to put a full-stop to the ceasefire violations by Pak. PDP has not been successful in fulfilling its promises. Our leaders have been facing a lot of difficulties from PDP in developmental works in Jammu & Ladakh," Ram Madhav said.

The BJP has now demanded Governor's rule in the state. "Keeping in mind larger interest of India's security and integrity, fact is that J&K is an integral part of India, in order to bring control over the situation prevailing in the state we have decided that the reigns of power in the state be handed over to the Governor," Madhav said.

What Next For Jammu And Kashmir

While the BJP has demanded Governor's rule in Jammu and Kashmir, several scenarios are possible in the state.

The majority mark in the 87-seat Jammu and Kashmir Assembly is 44. The PDP has 28 seats. If the PDP gets outside support from with the National Conference or the Congress and Others, CM Mehbooba Mufti can continue to run a minority government till the next elections which are scheduled for next year, i.e., 2019.

Another scenario is the Governor's rule which has come into effect in the state. The Governor's rule can stay in the state for six months, after which a decision will be taken on the future course.

The Governor can also order fresh polls in the state after BJP and PDP ministers submit their resignations and no realignment is possible.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 19, 2018 02:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).