The speed with which Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik dissolved the Assembly belied the differences within the BJP and the Central government on the issue, and a loss of nerve on the part of the latter.
The Centre’s mismanagement of the issue ranged from tardiness in assessing the seriousness of MLA Sajjad Lone’s efforts to put together a government and to respond to efforts by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), National Conference (NC) and the Congress to patch together a coalition.
Senior sources in the BJP told The Hindu that while the leadership in the government “at the very top” was clear that it would support efforts by Mr. Lone or maintain status quo, it needlessly lost its nerve following efforts, or at least seemingly visible efforts by the PDP, the NC and the Congress to form a coalition, challenging the one proposed by Mr. Lone.
“The letter by Mehbooba Mufti is very cleverly worded and it does not claim that she has the numbers,” said a senior source. “It was clear that these parties were trying to save their flock from defecting, and wanted the outcome that finally happened,” said the source.
Rajnath’s warning
Among those who advised caution in dissolving the House was Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who said in closed-door meetings that the move could lead to “badnami” or disgrace. However, the decision was taken with the reasoning that it would be a “one-time” PR problem.
“The BJP MLAs and indeed, any of the other MLAs, are not ready for elections; they had three years left in their term. There is a huge issue with holding polls anytime in the future,” said the source. “Even in the panchayat polls, there were more than 100 seats where the election was uncontested, that is, there were no candidates for the polls. The bypolls for Anantnag Lok Sabha seat haven’t been held as yet. So just how are conditions conducive for an Assembly poll?” he added.
The way forward, it seems, is to allow the State to slip into President’s rule in December and then make an assessment after six months, say sources. As for now, one act in &K’s long running political drama seems to have come to an end, with the regional parties, with the Congress’ help, seeming to have won the perception battle.