Lt Gen R S Reen
rsinghreen@gmail.com
The insightful opinion by Sh. Sunil Sharma (LOP) published in Daily Excelsior some time ago provides a compelling and accurate diagnosis of the political transformation underway in Jammu & Kashmir. He correctly identifies the paradigm shift from ideology-driven factionalism to constitutionally aligned governance as the cornerstone for lasting stability. This shift, orchestrated by the Union Government post-2019, is indeed a necessary corrective measure to decades of institutional decay and symbolic politics.
However, a critical bridge must be built between this visionary framework at the Union level and its concrete, lived reality on the ground across all regions of Jammu & Kashmir. The success of this project hinges not just on conditional support from the Centre, but on proactive, sustained, and empathetic political investment by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its leaders, particularly the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the J&K Legislative Assembly. The governance now determines legitimacy will only be validated if the principal political force driving this change, the BJP, transforms its own engagement from a primarily Jammu-centric and security-focused narrative to a genuinely pan-Jammu & Kashmir, development-intimate mission. The “Jammu-based” leadership must evolve, in spirit and action, into a “Jammu & Kashmir-based” leadership with the same fervour they articulate in policy statements.
First, the BJP, as the architect of the post-2019 constitutional and administrative changes, carries a unique political and moral responsibility for their success. The Centre’s “principled cooperation” cannot be seen as a distant, Delhi-centric diktat. It must be mediated, explained, and championed by a robust, visible, and credible local political vehicle. The BJP is that vehicle. Relying solely on the administrative machinery (bureaucracy, security apparatus) to deliver this change creates a dangerous “democratic deficit.” Governance gains legitimacy not just through outcomes, but through political persuasion and connection. The LoP’s role is pivotal here not just as a critic of the ruling party but as the chief political ambassador of the new framework to the masses.
Second, the historical “factionalist ideologies” have not vanished; they have adapted. They now manifest as narratives of alienation towards new policies, and fear of demographic and cultural dilution. These narratives can only be effectively countered by a relentless, grassroot political campaign that goes beyond rallies and delves into sabhas, mohalla meetings, and direct grievance redressal. The vacuum of political outreach is quickly filled by mistrust.
Third, for the “functional administrative unit” model to thrive, it needs a strong, alternative political culture. This culture where citizens evaluate leaders on development indices rather than separatist rhetoric must be nurtured. The BJP, with its vast organizational network and resources, is best positioned to build this culture. However, this requires moving beyond its traditional strongholds in Jammu and making an unequivocal commitment to the Valley and Ladakh.
The transformation from a “Jammu-based” party to a “Jammu & Kashmir” party is the most critical step. This is not about electoral calculus alone; it is about the integrity of the national project. Here’s how to start:
Leadership as Pilgrimage: The LoP’s Exemplary Role
The Leader of the Opposition must become the most visible symbol of this new engagement. This requires:
Permanent Presence: The LoP should establish a de facto second base in Srinagar, spending significant, uninterrupted time in the Valley. Visibility cannot be seasonal or event driven.
Listening, Not Just Speaking: Conduct systematic “Jan Sunwais” (public hearings) in every district of Kashmir, focusing not on political speeches but on cataloguing governance gaps precisely the issues of healthcare, education, and services that i am always highlighting from time to time. This positions the LoP not as a partisan figure but as a chief advocate for public welfare.
Cultural Empathy: Engage sincerely with the cultural and social fabric. Participate in local festivals, engage with writers, artists, and academics, and address concerns regarding language and heritage within the framework of constitutional nationalism. This demonstrates that “nationalist governance” is not assimilationist but integrative.
Organizational Overhaul: Building a Kashmir-Cadre
The BJP’s state unit must undergo a strategic overhaul.
Promote Local Kashmiri Leadership: Actively identify, mentor, and project credible local Muslim leaders from the Valley at every level, panchayat, district, and state. The face of the BJP in Kashmir cannot be primarily non-local. This builds trust and shatters the “outsider” narrative.
Political, Not Just Security, Engagement: Redirect a significant portion of the party’s energy from security-centric discourses to hyper-local development issues. Become the party known for fixing water supply in Sopore, upgrading the hospital in Anantnag, and streamlining tourist facilities in Pahalgam.
Youth and Economy Nexus: Launch a dedicated “Youth for Development” outreach. Partner with industry to create skill maps and job fairs specifically for the Valley’s youth. The promise of “normalcy” must be inextricably linked to tangible economic opportunity championed by the BJP’s local workers.
From Article 370 to Aspiration 370
While the principled stance on Article 370’s abrogation remains, the political communication must pivot to the future.
Co-Opt the Governance Agenda: Don’t let the ruling party own the development narrative. The LoP should release a parallel “J&K Governance Index,” benchmarking progress on parameters mentioned electricity, recruitment transparency, etc. holding the administration accountable from a constructive, nationalist perspective.
Celebrate “Ordinary” Successes: Magnify stories of students excelling in national exams, entrepreneurs starting new ventures, and tourists returning in droves. Frame these as victories of the new “ordinary governance,” making the BJP their political champion.
Address Grievances Patriotically: When legitimate local grievances arise (e.g., concerns about land laws), address them head-on with solutions, not dismissal. Frame the response as: “A strong, integrated J&K within India has the fullest protection and greatest opportunities. Let all work together to address this within that prosperous framework.”
Investing in the “Software” of Integration Beyond roads and infrastructure (the hardware), invest in the software of emotional integration.
Robust Political Exchange: Facilitate massive exchange programs for BJP karyakartas between Jammu and Kashmir divisions. Jammu-based workers should spend weeks in Kashmiri villages, and vice-versa, building human bonds.
Intellectual Engagement: The BJP should institute high-level dialogues in Srinagar on topics like “Federalism and Development,” “Cultural Diversity and National Unity,” inviting thinkers from across India and Kashmir. This elevates the political discourse.
Women as Ambassadors: Empower the Mahila Morcha to lead unique initiatives in Kashmir, focusing on women’s education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, building bridges at the community level.
The BJP, and the LoP as its chief legislative representative, stand at a historic inflection point. They can choose to be the authors of a truly transformative political consolidation, or risk having their visionary framework remain an elite administrative project, vulnerable to the next wave of ideological politics.
The “clear choice” offered to J&K’s leadership is equally a clear choice for the BJP itself. Will it make the effort to become an organic part of J&K’s political landscape, from Kathua to Kupwara?
The time for that deeper investment is now. The fervour must match the vision.
(The author is Former DGOA)
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