BLUNT BUTCHER
JAMMU: In a tug of war between political ethics and political opportunism, the former seems to be triumphing in Jammu and Kashmir. Riding high on the plank to uphold ‘honour and dignity’ of people, PDP finally makes a somersault, leaving Mehbooba Mufti to fend for a face-saver. And, she has found the one, which is going to prove rather embarrassing for her.
The iron lady, a perception Mehbooba Mufti generated by declining to occupy the hot seat left by father Mufti Mohammed Sayeed on 7 January 2016, seems to be melting fast within just two months’ after the demise of former Chief Minister, ostensibly under the pressure of her power hungry comrades.
Public memory is too short, no doubt, but not as shorter as the politicians of Jammu and Kashmir believe. On 22 February Mehbooba Mufti had said that she won’t hesitate to go against the tide (by not forming the government with BJP), if it suited the interests of the people. Today, her refrain is that she was not afraid of criticism (of people) over forming the government provided the Centre sends out a signal that it will do everything for the welfare of people of Jammu and Kashmir. Anybody naïve in politics understands that no government can ever talk about harming the people of any state, least J&K. Indeed, a very poor face saver from Mehbooba Mufti.
The PDP which swore to work for the dignity of the people now feels no qualms in rubbishing the criticism (of course by the people). Now Mehbooba Mufti has invoked the same people, saying, “When it came to the benefit of people, my father did not care about the party. He rose above everything and joined hands with BJP for the welfare of the people”. She also attempted to dismantle her iron lady image by saying that she was not an “adamant” lady as her party leaders wanted the formation of the government. An open admission of succumbing before power hungry colleagues!
If it is so why the bravado? Why suspense for two months? Why dictating terms to the Centre? While people will be justified in asking these questions, the bête noire DP, Omar Abdullah will make lot of questioning. Of course, he will use the hammer of PDP itself to hit at it harder.
Over a fortnight ago, and that too in Jammu, Mehbooba Mufti had dropped huge hints that she was not averse to ending the alliance with the BJP. Unequivocally, she told her party workers that she could end the alliance with the BJP if the Central government failed to announce “confidence-building measures” (CBM) for Jammu and Kashmir. She described CBMs imperative for creating a “positive atmosphere” in the state.
Omar Abdullah would be within his rights in asking as to what happened to her conditions, especially the CBMs which she had ‘desired’ to be political in nature and not economic. “It’s not about finances. If there was no money, how could we do macadamisation? How could Mufti Sayeed start development works? There could be delay in getting finances, but if the government has to be formed there has to be a way for forward movement.” Has she got a way forward or she is consciously moving backwards for ‘lust of power’, which Omar Abdullah and his National Conference will cry from roof tops.
The climb down in PDPs ‘stated policy’ comes few days after Arun Jaitley presented his budget, ignoring even mention of Kashmir. This perhaps served as writing on wall for power hungry politicians in the PDP, who ensured that the ‘Madam’ should walk ahead if she wants her flock to remain intact. This may be propaganda by the opponents but Mehbooba Mufti will have to answer this. She will have to tell to her constituency about return of power projects, sanctioning of over a lakh crore package for flood sufferers and others besides initiating dialogue with hawks like Syed Ali Shah Geelani.
Nothing of the sort has happened so far. Instead some of the BJP lawmakers have openly incited passions by playing communal card in various parts of the country during recent days, which are not comfortable for the PDP. Despite that and in spite of the fact that polarization will be at its peak in the state elections in the country, which were announced only today, can the PDP withstand the pressures and pulls with trouble-makers in the opposition ranks waiting for such eventualities to arise?
Mehbooba Mufti has entangled herself in a tricky situation; where in Omar Abdullah will only be pleased to have his last laugh. There cannot be any ideal situation like this for National Conference to hit back, finally and forcefully.