BJP's rise due to National Conference's failure: Peoples Democratic Party

Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday said the "inability and anti-people" policies of the present government in Jammu and Kashmir have led to emergence of forces like BJP which were seeking access to power by "dividing" people and regions.

"From autonomy to removal of AFSPA and providing rations, water supply, power or jobs, NC-led government has failed on every front and gave an opportunity to BJP to emerge as a force in some areas of Jammu province," PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said at public meetings in north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

Mehbooba, MP from south Kashmir's Anantnag constituency, said the "hatred" against the NC-led coalition had created an "unprecedented vacuum" on the political scene of the state filled largely by PDP which emerged victorious in 41 assembly segments in the Lok Sabha elections.

"Unfortunately, the collapse of Congress, which was the major player in some areas of Jammu as a result of its fall at the national level and because of the performance of its ministers, created conditions for BJP to come to the state with a divisive agenda.

"It is obvious that communal polarisation on which BJP has based its ambitions could, in ultimate analysis, pose a threat to the unity and integrity of state," she said, adding, "The only practical option would be for the people from all regions of the state to strengthen the progressive initiatives of PDP under the leadership of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed." The PDP leader said only her party, which had established its popularity among the people, can form a government that could "neutralise the dangers" that BJP's rise in the state would entail.

She said NC has no moral authority or political strength to pose a challenge to BJP.