Since Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s death on January 7, the sensitive border state of Jammu and Kashmir has been experiencing political uncertainty. There has been no popular government. The crisis has been perpetuated by the games played by the parties mandated to rule the state. A democratic obligation to govern the state has been shunned in favour of political grandstanding for the benefit of their respective constituencies. Governor's rule became a constitutional necessity when the PDP refused to take the call, while the BJP played a wait and watch game. Neither party responded to Governor NN Vohra’s letters asking them about government formation. He has again asked them to discuss with him the crucial issue by Tuesday evening. The two parties are busy in one-upmanship, swearing by the agenda of alliance but unhesitant in rocking the boat, introducing tailor-made controversies to downsize each other. Adding to this prevailing uncertainty is the absence of any other political alternative. The National Conference with its 15 members has refused to join hands with the PDP’s 27 or the BJP’s 25. The Congress with its 12 members is willing to join hands with the PDP provided the latter asks for it but that doesn’t add up to a simple majority of 44 in the House of 87. No one wants to form a government with the BJP.
Political compulsion may have driven Mehbooba Mufti to seek a reassessment of the “unpopular decision” of her father in aligning with the BJP. The widespread sentiment in Kashmir is against the alliance. The unimpressive number of mourners at the funeral and subsequent days bears a testimony to that. Mufti Sayeed did not get the farewell he deserved. He had forged the alliance to bring the Valley and Jammu together. Mehbooba can neither sidestep nor retreat from this stand. This can only lead to fresh elections but there can be no guarantee of a clear majority for any party. More than a new round of elections in an already communally and regionally plagued state, what is needed is a spell of statesmanship in Srinagar, Jammu and New Delhi. Time for petty games is over.