1. Both PDP and BJP were looking for an exit to shore up credentials among respective constituencies. BJP moved pre-emptively to seize political high ground.
2. Gulf between the partners had widened. Disagreements rose over security strategy after Burhan Wani’s killing. PDP wanted a softer approach towards stone-pelters and militants, mindful of massive resentment in Valley.
PDP loses partner, and its support base
Nineteen years after the PDP was founded by her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and built by Mehbooba Mufti from the grassroots in 1999, the Kashmir valley-centric regional party is today facing an existential crisis.
3. Mehbooba Mufti’s moves mollifying her supporters in the Valley by raising the ante on Kathua gang rape and Army/security forces’ operations further annoyed BJP’s constituency.
4. BJP went along with PDP’s demand for a ceasefire during Ramzan. This was not reciprocated by Pakistan-backed terror groups or separatists, and dented BJP’s image nationally.
BJP timed exit so J&K doesn't go to polls before Lok Sabha election
With Jammu & Kashmir having a provision for governor's rule for six months, the BJP leadership is keen to let this period run as close to the end of 2018 as possible. The calculation was that if the six months ended in December, it would be too close to the Lok Sabha elections.
5. The ‘pre-emptive’ strike against
Mehbooba Mufti is aimed at repairing the damage. BJP was keen to pull out earlier but waited until Tuesday so that state elections don’t have to be held before 2019
Lok Sabha polls.
6. The killing of journalist Shujaat Bukhari provided the impetus for Centre to take control. BJP will revive its hardline nationalist theme, starting with S P Mookerjee’s death anniversary on June 23.
PM Modi (L) with Mehbooba Mufti in Srinagar. (PTI File Photo)