Dinesh Manhotra
Tribune News Service
Jammu, March 1
The PDP and the BJP, which represent two diametrically different ideologies, today formed a coalition by dumping contentious issues. Both climbed down on controversial issues to arrive at a consensus.
The 16-page agenda for alliance suggested that both parties tried to adopt the middle path by shunning their earlier positions to finalise the agenda.
Both parties decided to maintain status quo on Article 370 and AFSPA revocation. It was decided that the coalition would examine the need to denotify ‘disturbed areas’.
“This will enable the Centre to take a final view on the continuation of AFSPA,” read the agenda. The PDP adopted the middle path on AFSPA.
The BJP climbed down on the issue of citizenship for West Pakistan refugees. “Take measures for sustenance and livelihood of West Pakistan refugees,” read the agenda.
The language on delimitation to end political discrimination with the Jammu region was similar. “Constitute a delimitation commission for delimiting seats as required by law,” read the agenda.
Both parties arrived at a consensus on six issues, including dialogue with Pakistan and talks with the Hurriyat Conference.
Controversial issues in agenda for alliance:
Article 370
PDP demands further strengthening of this Articlegranting special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP is a supporter of its complete abrogation.
Considering the political and legislative realities, the present position will be maintained on all constitutional positions, including special status in the Constitution of India.
AFSPA
PDP wants this Act to be revoked. The party wants a written assurance in the common minimum programme on revocation in a phased manner.
BJP argues that being a stakeholder, the viewpoint of the Army should be taken before taking any decision on AFSPA.
It has been decided that the coalition will examine the need for denotifying ‘disturbed areas’. This will enable the Centre to take a final view on continuation of AFSPA.
Citizenship rights
Refugees from West Pakistan had entered Jammu during Partition. Since 1947, a majority of them had been living without citizenship rights.
The BJP is advocating that citizenship rights should be given. This issue was the centre of the BJP’s poll campaign in Jammu.
The PDP is seeking to maintain status quo on granting state subject rights. They will take measures for sustenance and livelihood to the refugees.
Talks with Pakistan
The PDP wants an unconditional dialogue with Pakistan to solve issues, including Kashmir. It wants a concrete assurance on efforts to normalise ties.
The BJP argues that terrorism and dialogue cannot go together. The Centre had recently initiated several steps to normalise the relationship.
The coalition will seek to support and strengthen the approach and initiatives taken to create a reconciliatory environment and build stakes for all in peace and development within the subcontinent.
Talks with separatists
The PDP is advocating that the Centre should initiate an unconditional dialogue with the Hurriyat Conference and other separatists of the Valley.
The BJP is opposed to giving importance to groups like the Hurriyat Conference and others which are non-state actors.
The government will facilitate and help initiate a sustained and meaningful dialogue with all internal stakeholders, including all political groups, irrespective of ideological views.
Delimitation commission
The BJP is demanding a written assurance on a delimitation commission to end political discrimination against the Jammu province.
The PDP is arguing that the Assembly has embargoed setting up of a delimitation commission in Jammu and Kashmir till 2026.
The coalition will constitute a delimitation commission of Legislative Assembly constituencies as required under the law.
2002 agreement between Congress and PDP
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