Government Formation! Kashmir’s Political Parties Might Rethink Alliances If BJP Sweeps Jammu Region?

Tariq Bhat

Political parties in the Kashmir Valley often reassure the public that they will not align with the BJP to form a government.

 

 

 

However, if the BJP secures a significant number of seats in Jammu, the situation could force these parties into a corner, revealing a pattern of repeated and open lies to the electorate.

 

 

 

 

For instance, if the National Conference (NC) wins a considerable number of seats in Kashmir while the BJP sweeps the Jammu region, the NC’s choices narrow significantly.

 

 

 

Similar pressures apply to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), despite the complications stemming from BJP’s withdrawal of support from the PDP-led government in 2018 . While PDP leaders maintain a stance against aligning with the BJP, the reality remains that their options may be limited, leaving an alliance as a plausible path forward.

 

 

 

 

A former NC leader has candidly stated that NC might have no choice but to form a government with the BJP if it’s the only viable option left, highlighting the political pragmatism often disguised under rhetoric.

 

 

Meanwhile, Apni Party and People’s Conference are grappling with their own challenges; both are facing internal turmoil as several leaders have defected, leaving these parties in a weakened state.

 

 

 

 

The pressing question remains: What alternatives do NC and PDP have if the BJP wins a majority of the seats in Jammu? As electoral dynamics shift, the political future of the Valley hangs in balance, with all eyes on how these parties will navigate the potential need for alliances that could contradict their public promises.