Before the Horn Blows!

Kashmir has always been a sensitive area both nationally and internationally. The presence of high number of Muslims and focus of separatist groups along with cut throat political competition makes Kashmir valley always inflammable. But there is now a gradual turn towards the peaceful democratic processes in the people. People have started voting in better percentages, they have started asking for their rights and moreover they are experimenting with different political alternatives which are a good signs of a strengthening democracy.

In the past three elections of 1996,2002 and 2008 the National Conference and People’s Democratic Party has alternatively come to power in alliance with Congress. But this time around a new contender enters the contest. BJP which had earlier limited its activities to Jammu and Ladakh, where there is a Hindu majority, now seeks to expand its role into the Kashmir valley. Even if BJP does not stand much of a chance, the people of Kashmir have not altogether excluded it. While this might be strengthening the democratic processes of the state, the extremist religious groups might see this as expansion of Hindutva. This might have serious repercussions on both national and international fronts.

  While Congress, NC and PDP are very strong in the state, an entry of BJP, even marginally, might prove expensive to them as minor parties like People’s Conference have already extended a hand to BJP. The might of PDP will be tested; NC and Congress will form deciding factors and BJP will not take anything lightly.