Understanding BJP's Role and Perception in Jammu and Kashmir

India's BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is a national political party that has grown in prominence and influence over the years. Its approach to regions such as Jammu and Kashmir is often complex and multifaceted. This article aims to provide a nuanced understanding of why BJP is perceived as anti-Kashmiri and the underlying reasons behind this perception.

BJP's Stance and Misconceptions

One of the persistent and misleading misconceptions about BJP's stance on Jammu and Kashmir is that the party is inherently anti-Kashmiri. However, such a portrayal can be simplistic and erroneous.

When necessity arises, BJP leaders and its affiliates tend to evoke the Kashmir issue as a means to manipulate public sentiment or gain political advantage. For instance, the Pulwama attack in 2019 was framed as a tragedy that needed a strong response from the government. However, many argue that the situation in Kashmir is more nuanced than being solely a political football.

Grassroots Presence and Local Pulse

The BJP often faces criticism for its limited grassroots presence in certain states, including Jammu and Kashmir. Some argue that the party lacks a genuine understanding of the local concerns and dynamics. BJP's ability to connect with local communities and address their needs is sometimes questioned.

The RSS Connection and Legacy

The BJP's actions and policies are often influenced by the Rashtriya Swareddit Dharma Sabha (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization. The RSS has a long-standing legacy of involvement in Kashmiri affairs, particularly in the aftermath of the 1980s separatist movement led by Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. BJP's stance is seen as somewhat knee-jerk and reactive, rather than proactive and humanitarian.

Many BJP leaders and representatives were once part of the RSS, and their policies often reflect the RSS's ideological and strategic interests.

The Economic and Governance Context

The economic context in India and the BJP government's performance have also contributed to the perception of the BJP as anti-Kashmiri. With India's economic growth rate slowing down from the 5th position to the 7th position in the world, the BJP is under pressure to deliver results.

The government's inability to create jobs, solve the unemployment problem, and deliver on promises like the bullet train project and the hundred smart cities initiative has raised concerns among its critics. The rising commodity prices and the inability of the government to effectively manage internal problems have further fueled these concerns.

The Role of Propaganda

Some argue that the BJP's approach to Jammu and Kashmir issues is part of a broader strategy to divert public attention from domestic problems by playing on fears and prejudices. The government's actions, such as launching crackdowns and surveillance on the Kashmiri population, are seen as attempts to suppress opposition and maintain control.

Historical precedents, such as the use of racial and ethnic division by figures like Hitler to maintain power, provide a disturbing parallel. BJP's strategies involve creating divisions within society to mask the party's true intentions and avoid addressing fundamental issues.

It is crucial to understand that while BJP's policies and actions in Jammu and Kashmir may seem one-sided, this is part of a larger ideological framework that includes economic interests and political maneuvering.