In a surprising move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tuesday pulled out of Alliance with coalition it had formed with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Jammu and Kashmir in 2014.The decision was announced by party general secretary Ram Madhav after BJP legislators from Jammu and Kashmir had a meeting with Amit Shah in New Delhi.“Restoring peace in Kashmir and encouraging fast development in Jammu and Kashmir, these were the objectives with which we joined with the PDP. We have taken a decision, it is untenable for BJP to continue in alliance with PDP in Jammu and Kashmir, hence we are withdrawing,” Ram Madhav told reporters at a press conference alleging the Jammu and Ladakh faced discrimination while people of State are feeling insecure.Madhav said that the BJP will be pushing for governor’s rule in the state, as it feels like the Mehbooba Mufti government has let down the people. “Keeping national interest in mind and that Kashmir is an integral part of India, we have to say it is time that the reins of power in the state be handed over to the governor,” he said adding that they are not questioning the intention of the government but, “it has failed to achieve the intended objectives in Kashmir valley.”“We even appointed an interlocutor for the state to talk with all the stakeholders. The Central government has done whatever the state government sought.”
“Terrorism and radicalisation is on the rise in the state. The murder of editor Shujaat Bukhari shows even press freedom is in danger,” Madhav continued.Shortly after the announcement made by BJP, Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti submitted her letter of resignation to the Governor.She addressed a press conference later in the day stating that muscular policy will not serve any purpose in Kashmir. "I am not shocked as this alliance was never for power. PDP never believes in power politics and we worked for the people," she told reporters after an hour-long meeting with her ministers and party workers at her residence.She said Jammu and Kashmir was not an enemy territory as being perceived by few. "We had always said muscular security policy will not work in J-K, reconciliation is key," she said.She talked about her achievements and claimed that she always try to safeguard the interests of people of Jammu and Kashmir. “We have safeguarded Article 370 and 35-A and we will continue to do that. We have been able to withdraw 11,000 cases against the stone pelters," she said.She said her party will continue to strive for dialogue and reconciliation in the state. "I have told the Governor we will not go into any other alliance," she said. (CNS)