NDA rift in J&K

AS the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections approach, the Janata Dal (United) has sparked a controversy with its promise to facilitate the release of political prisoners and stone-pelters. This promise, aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation, contrasts starkly with the stringent policies of the BJP, its ally, on the issues of separatism and militancy in the Valley. The JD(U) has submitted a list of over 800 stone-pelters to the Union Home Ministry, urging for their release, despite Home Minister Amit Shah’s stance against separatists and earlier warnings against any leniency towards such elements.

The other key objectives in the JD(U)’s election manifesto include the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and the protection of local jobs and land through special legislation. Additionally, the party has been actively engaging with separatist leaders and Islamic scholars in the region, positioning itself as a bridge between these groups and the Central Government. The JD(U)’s manifesto highlights a significant rift within the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). While the JD(U) hopes to attract votes by addressing the grievances of many in the Valley, the BJP faces the challenge of maintaining its hardline stance that has resonated with its core electorate.

This glaring difference in approach could pose risks to both parties. For the JD(U), it could either translate into voter support in a region craving reconciliation, or backfire if perceived as appeasement. For the BJP, the promise could alienate its supporters, who view strong security measures as crucial to restoring stability in Kashmir. As the NDA navigates this complex terrain, the electoral outcomes in J&K may not only reshape the region’s political landscape but also test the resilience of the country’s ruling alliance.