Kashmir rejects BJP agenda

So much for Mission 44

BJP will point to its impressive show in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election, but since it had focused its campaign around repealing Article 370 – which accords ‘special status’ to the state – most analysts seem to agree that the J&K verdict is a reality check of sorts for Modi’s dream run. It is not far behind the People’s Democratic Party (23 seats against the PDP’s 28), but BJP’s Mission 44, as it was called, is now effectively out of the question. And now that coalition building is all the rage, even if Modi’s charm offensive facilitates a partnership, it will be without the Article 370 clause, since all other parties remain opposed to repealing it.

The election result is interesting for a number of reasons. True, BJP has improved its position remarkably, but in always focusing on the controversial, perhaps Modi has gone too far. Even in the final days of campaigning, BJP senior leaders in New Delhi seemed convinced Mission 44 was in the bag, especially with Modi himself visiting Kashmir and drawing an impressive response. But the PDP’s position has been more acceptable for the public, not the least because of its moderation. It played a central role in increasing voter turnout in successive elections, and people obviously connect strongly with it. Its chances of engaging smaller parties are therefore that much brighter, since it has more points of convergence than divergence with them, unlike Modi’s extremist position.

That BJP continues to stick to its position regarding Article 370 is not surprising, but it leaves room for smarter politics. Its inflexibility in Kashmir is but an extension of its rigid policies in the centre, especially with regard to certain elements of its foreign policy. Perhaps the fortunes of his Kashmir project should trigger a moment of rethinking for the prime minister. No doubt he has been on a roller coaster ride since before the election. But in taking the yes vote for an automatic endorsement of his increasingly stiff political philosophy, he risks compromising a platform from where much progressive legislation can be undertaken.