The presence of senior PDP leader Muzaffar Hussain Baig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent rally in Jammu on February 20 has ignited speculation about his potential switch to the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir. Baig, a founding PDP member and prominent Pahari leader, neither confirmed nor denied the move but emphasized his duty to attend the rally. If he joins, Baig would be the first Pahari leader from Kashmir to align with the BJP.
In response to questions about his presence at the rally, Baig stated, “Can’t one come to listen to one’s PM?” He praised Modi, citing their good relations. He expressed confidence in the BJP's performance in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Kashmir, contrary to expectations of a backlash post the Article 370 abrogation.
Baig briefly joined Sajad Lone’s People’s Conference in 2021 before rejoining the PDP last month. However, his return wasn't widely welcomed within the PDP due to his stance against the party's Article 370 position. The Padma Bhushan he received in January 2020 further added complexity to his relationship with the party. Observers are closely monitoring Baig's next move and its potential impact on Jammu and Kashmir's political landscape.
Belonging to the Pahari community, Baig holds influence in north Kashmir's Baramulla. His attendance at the Modi rally follows Parliament passing Bills extending ST status to Pahari-speaking ethnic groups, a move that was previously exclusive to Gujjars, Bakerwals, and Shinas in J&K.
Despite resentment among Gujjars and Bakerwals over the extension of ST status, the BJP believes that this will offset the political influence of these communities in the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency. In the Rajouri-Poonch (Pir Panjal) region, where Paharis are significant, the ST status has brightened the BJP’s electoral prospects.
Recent entrants to the BJP, prominent Pahari leaders Shehnaz Ganai and Mushtaq Bukhari, join the ranks of figures like Abdul Qayoom Mir and Iqbal Malik. However, the BJP faces a challenge from Kashmir-based regional parties, especially the PDP, which plans to field party president Mehbooba Mufti from the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency. This tough competition is compounded by Mufti's support in south Kashmir and Pir Panjal.
Baig's inclination towards the BJP signals a shift in priorities after his reconciliation with the PDP failed to energize party cadres. The recent entry of Baig's nephew Javid Baig, into the NC, further indicates the Baig family's realignment of political interests with parties poised to play a greater role in Jammu and Kashmir's future.
