No party is averse to the ongoing delimitation process

Exclusive interview/ Dr Jitendra Singh, minister of state, prime minister’s office

25-DrJitendraSingh Dr Jitendra Singh | Sanjay Ahlawat

There are speculations that the BJP is keen to appoint the first Hindu chief minister in Jammu and Kashmir. However, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh rejects them by saying that the BJP does not believe in a Hindu or Muslim chief minister. “Such speculations are being carried out by pseudo-seculars,” he said. “The chief minister is to be elected irrespective of religion, class or creed.”

Speaking to THE WEEK, Singh said the delimitation of J&K is a vindication not only for the BJP but more so for other parties which have been in power in J&K.

Excerpts from an exclusive interview:

Q/ Did domestic compulsions drive the government to talk to the Gupkar Alliance at this stage?

A/ No, absolutely not. On the other hand, it was forthrightly put across by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Jammu and Kashmir all-party meeting that he wanted to have this meeting much earlier. It would have taken place several months earlier or even a year back had there not been any Covid-19 constraints.

Had it been driven by any compulsions, as is being made out by some, then this would not have been the approach. In fact, what is not being realised is that as soon as the Covid-19 restrictions were relaxed a little, this was the first meeting held by the prime minister with so many individuals under one roof, in one room. Most meetings of this nature have been held virtually so far.

Q/ What was the aim of the meeting?

A/ As the prime minister said it is primarily inspired by two aspects related to J&K. Firstly, his commitment and keen desire to strengthen grassroot democracy in J&K. This commitment is evident from the fact that the district development council (DDC) elections have been held at the personal intervention of the prime minister. Secondly, to give impetus to development activities and bring equitable development to all the regions.

Q/ What will be the process going forward? Will assembly elections be held first?

A/ I think the most optimistic takeaway from this meeting is that leaders of all political parties were forthcoming in supporting the revival of state assembly through the democratic process of elections and were also ready to cooperate with the ongoing delimitation exercise. Nobody was averse to it. This amounts to endorsing the prime minister’s two-pronged thrust on grassroot democracy and development through elected representatives after completing the delimitation process.

It is not a new initiation of the political process since DDC elections took place only five months ago and before that, the block development council elections were held. This is now being extended to assembly elections, which is currently not in existence.

Q/ Have all parties agreed to delimitation and then assembly polls?

A/ I think it has a very sound rationale and reason for the simple fact that delimitation in J&K is motivated by certain factors that may not have been relevant to other Union territories and states. The participants who wanted further clarification, I believe, went home convinced when Union Home Minister Amit Shah explained that there exists an anomaly for quite some time as far as the number of seats and distribution is concerned. Also, some more assembly seats needed to be added. This is something no political party has denied. I would say what the Modi government has opted for—to allow delimitation to happen—is a vindication not only for the BJP but more so for those political parties which have been in power in J&K for most of the time. These political parties had been inviting accusations that they were not supportive of delimitation and were delaying it by design because they did not want the composition and number of assembly seats to change, since it would not be to their advantage. So, I think it is a huge vindication for all.

Q/ There are allegations that the BJP wants more seats for Jammu.

A/ The delimitation commission is an independent body and has its norms and parameters. We want a judicious outcome taking into consideration the laid down parameters including geography, accessibility of regions, the topography, the population spread and other relevant factors.

Q/ What about the demand for immediate restoration of statehood for J&K?

A/ That issue stands adequately addressed from day one when on the floor of the house, Home Minister Shah had clarified and categorically said that statehood will be restored at an appropriate time. The same stand was reiterated by him during the all-party meeting.

Q/ Will the government ensure the immediate release of all political prisoners?

A/ I think by and large all participants who took up the issue of political prisoners were agreeable to the view that those facing charges of terrorism, [the Jammu and Kashmir] Public Safety Act or hawala which warrant further investigation and prosecution and are being probed by the National Investigation Agency or other concerned agencies, need to go through the process and there cannot be an alibi for it. The home minister, in his reply, said that most of the prisoners have already been released in the last few months and only those facing serious charges like murder and killings, which were proven by evidence and warrant interrogation, by all means, were still behind bars. The home minister has assured that the lieutenant governor will constitute a committee to review their cases.

Q/ What about local militancy and stone-pelting in Kashmir?

A/ By and large, militancy is on its way out in J&K. It is in its last phase. Infiltration has gone down drastically and the liquidation of terrorist [groups] is happening at a rapid pace.

Q/ Is there a demand for restoration of special status for J&K under Article 370?

A/ I would not rake up this issue for the simple reason that no one raised it, and even those who obliquely referred to it said the matter is sub judice.

Q/ If a situation arises, will the BJP form a coalition government with the PDP or the National Conference?

A/ It is a hypothetical question. We will cross the bridge when we come to it.

Q/ There is speculation that the BJP wants to appoint its first Hindu chief minister in J&K.

A/ The BJP does not believe in a Hindu or a Muslim chief minister. Such speculations are being carried out by pseudo-seculars. The chief minister is to be elected irrespective of religion, class or creed to lead the duly elected legislators.