PDP -BJP talk hits a roadblock

Even as the BJP and PDP were inching towards an understanding for government formation in Jammu and Kashmir, top PDP sources said that a Common Minimum Programme (CMP) without any political commitment will be suicidal for the party and a recipe for discontent and political upheaval in the Kashmir valley.

The sources, however, assured that while inking the CMP there will be no repeat of 1975 and 1986 accords. While in 1975, Sheikh Abdullah tied up with the Congress when the Indira Gandhi government was in power at the Centre while in 1986 his son Farooq Abdullah entered an understanding with the same party during the Rajiv Gandhi regime. Both times the party entered a political deal without extracting a political commitment.

Meanwhile, the BJP was sounded a note of caution by its ideological mentor, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. "Two parties are trying to form an alliance. Some questions will be raised. Fanaticism and separatism are not healthy for the country. All are citizens of India... What has been attained through a separate constitution and flag? In answer to this question the people of J and K say no other state has a separate flag but they are progressing.

We have not," RSS leader Indresh Kumar said.

He said the focus should be on development, education and employment and that the army was not an enemy but protector. "The people of Jammu and Kashmir should not look at Islamabad but Delhi and not bullet but ballot. In this election, people have voted for ballot and Delhi. I am confident that the PDP and BJP will keep these aspects in mind and do whatever is in the interest of the future of J and K and the country," he said.

RSS sources said the concerns of the Sangh were not different from those of the BJP but at the same time there was acknowledgement that there would have to be some compromise for a tie-up on both sides.

A BJP leader said the party was discussing the issue with its associates. Though the party was hopeful of government formation, the leader refused to give a deadline for it. Last week, BJP sources had indicated that a BJP-PDP government could be in place before the budget session of Parliament began on February 23.

With the PDP firming up its stand on political commitments, the BJP is weighing its options. The PDP, which seems to be in no hurry to form government, is of the view that without peace no development is possible as mere development agenda does not work in Kashmir. It has failed in past. Even in 2008, when National Conference formed government with Congress, there was no CMP or commitment on any political agenda.
With the PDP raising the bar for an alliance, the chances of a BJP-National Conference alliance have almost faded.

PDP sources said the BJP stance on Article 370 raises fears in Kashmir and need to be addressed adequately. They said merely promising dialogue and discussion will not work in the state.

On AFSPA, they said except the Army no other agency was in favour of its continuation. The PDP is trying to impress upon the BJP that over the past many years, anti-militancy operations were done by Jammy Kashmir Police in association with central para-military forces. CRPF and even BSF were in agreement that the law was no more required and their heads were as patriotic as the army.

On talks with Pakistan, the PDP felt that the wheel, which has already been turned by Vajpayee-Manmohan Singh and Musharaff, only needed a smooth path and well oiled road to run unhindered.

The PDP wants to create an environment and be instrumental to facilitate laying down such path, sources said.

They said the PDP has conveyed to BJP interlocutors, in discussions that were held neither in J and K nor in Delhi, that if these issues were not agreeable, they could explore other alternatives. "We can't merely form government for the sake of seeking power," a PDP leader said.