NC begins to ‘mend fences’ with NDA, BJP….!

Is Cong a ‘liability’ for Omar in the new order….?

Jammu: Irrespective of whether Chief Minister Omar Abdullah submitted resolution on statehood to Prime Minister Narender Modi or not, his first meeting with the latter assumes significance after taking over reins of UT last week. Omar during his trip to national capital also met Home Minister, Defence Minister and others who matter for the progress of J&K. Has NC begun to mend fences with NDA despite being a part of INDIA alliance ….?
Chief Minister of any state calling on Prime Minister is a routine affair with respect to matters of protocol and courtesy guidelines. However, with respect to J&K which saw Assembly elections after over 5 years and in the backdrop of its UT status it assumes much importance, more so when the ruling party is still in alliance with Congress in the government.
Therefore many watch Chief Minister’s trip to New Delhi and meeting all those who matter for taking J&K ahead in the path of development as more than a normal visit. Much before his visit, political corridors were rife with rumours that his main purpose of the visit was to submit resolution on restoration of statehood, a task which may have been in the agenda but still unconfirmed as to its completion.
Those who watch political developments in J&K and read between the lines are looking at the visit of Omar Abdullah and meeting a host of dignitaries as beginning of what ruling NC would now want to do, albeit in a gradual manner. For obvious reasons and for varied interests of J&K, Chief Minister would like to bury the political hatchet and be ‘friends’ again with ruling NDA at Centre.
It goes without saying making political amends with BJP will not happen soon, but NC apparently has begun to do so. Some political pundits have also this to say NC will not, rather is not hesitating to do so while Congress is still its partner. As for the cosmetics of government formation, Congress for all practical purposes there only for name sake as its presence within the cabinet is nil.
Sources within NC also reveal that on account of its poor performance at the hustings NC now considers Congress a political liability and carrying on with its ties an ‘obstacle’ to improve relations particularly with BJP.
What Congress chose to continue with NC despite no ‘share’ in the cabinet is a known fact for its own ‘face saving’. As for what BJP would get in return to these gestures of building proximity, the party is concerned to protect interests of Jammu region, an area where Omar has made his best efforts. Eventually in the process of strengthening ties, BJP would like NC to help secure some political ground in Kashmir. Whether NC proves of some help or not in the long run remains to be seen.

Updated On 10/25/2024 2:11:25 AM