BJP loses sheen in deal for power

Dinesh Manhotra & M Aamir Khan

Tribune News Service

Jammu/Srinagar, August 31

When BJP ministers took oath on March 1 this year, there was a heavy downpour outside General Zorawar Singh Auditorium at Jammu University, the venue of the oath-taking ceremony. Rain at the onset of any new work, according to Hindu mythology, is considered as auspicious sign, but nothing auspicious has emerged in the first six months of their tenure.

It has been a widespread perception that the saffron party has nothing to highlight as its noticeable achievement as far as its six-month performance is concerned except making a compromise on its ideology to be a part of the government in Jammu and Kashmir. What to talk about making inroads in new areas, the BJP has been losing its grip in Jammu, the winter capital of the state, which remained its citadel since days of erstwhile Praja Parishad and Jan Sangh.

For the first time in the state’s political history, the BJP became part of a ruling coalition in the only Muslim-majority state of the country. The formation of PDP-BJP government was considered as “a mark of a new era of politics” in the state and the people of Jammu region, who had overwhelmingly voted for the saffron party, had pinned high hopes that their destiny was going to be changed with the BJP becoming a part of the government.

The BJP has never been a major player in state politics, but it secured the second place in Assembly elections held in November-December last year by winning 25 of the 37 seats of Jammu province. The BJP, which is a self-proclaimed champion of Jammu’s cause, has so far failed to make its presence felt in the region as a ruling coalition partner in Jammu and Kashmir.

The four-month-long agitation for setting up a separate AIIMS for Jammu region has given a wake-up call to the BJP because for the first time since 1947, Jammu observed a complete and unprecedented shutdown for six consecutive days without the support of the saffron party. Although the BJP leadership somehow managed to fizzle out the stir, it was a warning signal for the party in Jammu region.

Not only has the party lost its sheen among the masses, but the hardcore cadre is demoralised as well over the way the leadership has abandoned its core issues. Two flags on luxurious vehicles being provided to BJP ministers are not digestive to the party cadre. As far as the Kashmir valley is concerned, after failing to win any seat in the Valley despite hectic campaigning during the last Assembly elections, the BJP continues to be on job to strengthen the party base in Kashmir.

From an active membership drive to attempts to dispel the ‘communal’ image associated with the party, the BJP is looking for long-term gains with hopes of winning its first-ever seat in the Valley, whenever any electoral process is held.