The Role of Trump’s Advice in the Revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir
The Role of Trump’s Advice in the Revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir
There has been much speculation about U.S. President Donald Trump's involvement in the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. While his suggestions for mediating between India and Pakistan may have contributed to the timing, the BJP's opposition to Article 370 predates and is more fundamental than any external advice.
BJP's Longstanding Stance Against Article 370
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s opposition to Article 370 has deep historical roots. Since the party's inception in its previous incarnation as the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, one of its key figures, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, was a prominent advocate of a single constitution and national flag for the entire nation. Unfortunately, Dr. Mukherjee faced serious charges in Kashmir related to his constitutional beliefs and was martyred in a Kashmir prison for advocating this vision.
This ideological stance has been consistent across multiple BJP-led governments and manifestos. The party's intent to change the status quo of Kashmir's largely political landscape took root in the BJP’s entry as a coalition partner in the Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly in 2015, alongside the People's Democratic Party (PDP).
Preparation and Strategy
As the BJP government assumed power in 2019 with a resounding victory, the political landscape was different from previous times. Neutral and BJP-leaning parties won significant support, while the Congress was left in disarray and unable to form a united opposition.
The BJP government, sensing an opportunity, quickly moved to pass two historic bills: the abolition of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories (UTs). The BJP built up suspense by increasing the presence of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in JK, emphasizing dangers to the Amarnath Yatra, and implementing strict curfew measures.
The BJP then brought the bills for the defanging of Article 370 and the creation of two UTs first in the Rajya Sabha. This approach left the opposition unprepared and divided. The BJP/NDA managed to win over previously opposing parties, allowing them to overcome the Rajya Sabha hurdle and subsequently pass the bills in the Lok Sabha.
Conclusion
While Trump's suggestions for mediation may have played a role in the broader context of India-Pakistan relations, the BJP's move on Article 370 was a strategic and long-planned move based on the party's ideological opposition. The timing and tactics employed by the BJP reflect a deep-seated commitment to changing the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.