Alam release: BJP to review if J&K can take decisions without Centre's consent

BJP has pitched for a review of procedures to see if Jammu and Kashmir government can take decisions like release of hardline separatist leader Masarat Alam without the "permission" of the Centre, saying such instances "naturally create hiccups".

BJP, which is a partner in the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed government, said it "knew very well that this path is not easy" and that it was "hurt by the statement of the CM" on the first day itself. Sayeed had then given credit for smooth assembly elections to Hurriyat and Pakistan.

It is "unfortunate" that the decision to release Alam was taken unilaterally, party general secretary Ram Madhav said in an interview to RSS mouthpiece 'Organiser'.

"Such incidents naturally create hiccups. We are organising a coordination committee at the state level for the smooth functioning of the government. This will ascertain the process of consultation and communication in running the government," he said.

"Though the process was initiated even before the BJP-PDP government took over (on March one), it is to be reviewed whether the state government can take decisions in such matters without the permission from the Centre," Madhav said.

The BJP general secretary asserted that his party will not compromise on issues of national security and integrity for the sake of power and has conveyed that official representatives of the government should follow the 'Agenda for Alliance' in letter and spirit and both parties should follow this policy.

"We are trying our best that incidents which raise doubts in the minds of people about integrity and security of the nation will not occur again.

"We want to assure our workers and people of the country that hereafter everything will be executed as per the Agenda for Alliance, the common minimum programme mutually agreed between BJP and PDP. No step to encourage separatism or hurting sentiments will be taken by the state government hereafter," he said.

"It is unfortunate that the decision to release Masarat Alam was taken unilaterally. This decision did hurt not only the BJP and its workers but also the people of India. As we also are a part of the government, it is our responsibility to oppose such unilateral decisions," the BJP leader said.

Madhav said all BJP MLAs had registered their protest to party president Amit Shah. He said the issue is not limited to BJP cadres alone but the entire nation is concerned.

"We will never compromise on national security and integrity for the sake of power," he said.
"This is not a political issue but related to national security and integrity. We are aware that the cadre and common people are shocked by this development. It is our duty to be sensitive to the sentiments of the people," he said.

Madhav, who was earlier in the RSS, said BJP "sincerely hopes" that the government in Jammu and Kashmir lasts for full six years and do well.

He said the coming together of two parties seemed an "impossible proposition" but they did so considering the fractured mandate and interest of state.

"It can be a historical moment if this government successfully completes the term... We want to ensure long term and holistic development of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

The BJP leader who was instrumental in key negotiations while framing the CMP, said admitted to difference of ideologies between the two parties.

However, knowing the nationalist thought of BJP it has allied with a regional party just for the interest of the state, he added.

"It is true that stated positions and style of functioning of the both the parties are radically different," he said.