The BJP, which is jointly ruling Jammu and Kashmir along with People’s Democratic Party, is out to shed the tag of the “inactive partner”.
The party’s presence in the 10-month government under Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had faced criticism even from its own cadre and the workers of the RSS for failing to leave a mark. But now that it is supporting Mehbooba Mufti, the party wants to push several pet agendas which do not face strong opposition.
A first of its kind meeting was held today – attended by home minister Rajnath Singh, finance minister Arun Jaitley, defence minister Manohar Parrikar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, BJP president Amit Shah and organisational general secretary Ram Lal.
After the meeting, Mr Parrikar said leaders discussed all security-related issues and tried to understand the political situation at the ground level.
Sources say the key talking points included resettlement of Kashmiri Pandits, setting up of a Sainik Colony which can be inhabited by servicemen, ways and means to check Hurriyat activities and the coming Amaranth Yatra.
That the BJP doesn’t want to repeat mistakes of the past is visible from the fact that it forced a meeting with the government to present its demands and seek a progress report.
Dr Jitendra Singh, minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office, who is also a lawmaker from the state, was also present in the meet. “We have a coalition. The government in the stage we have a responsibility to review the situation from time to time,” he said.
Indications are that during the meet, the government representatives provided details of the progress on specific demands of the party and its vote bank. Mr Singh said no decision was taken, but notes were exchanged between the government and the party.
