Jammu and Kashmir: The fault lines of BJP and the Gen-Z Bakhshis

Kashmir Reservation Policy

Since August 5, 2019, the central government has actively fostered new fault lines in Jammu and Kashmir, with the most prominent and delusional examples being the Reorganization Act and the new Reservation Policy. Both of these measures were crafted not only to deepen communal divisions but also to limit any popular mandate that does not align with the central government’s directives. These fault lines have been deeply exploited and entrenched by the BJP-led central government, especially since the National Conference led alliance formed the government following its popular mandate in the assembly elections held last year.

The impact of these divisions has created a political space where the very political, social, and cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir is under increasing strain. If not managed carefully, these fault lines could push the region toward a scenario similar to other states in India, where communal divides and disparities have grown more pronounced. The consequences of these fault lines are evident in the fact that it has become a challenging task for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to reclaim their political agency. Not only do these divisions disrupt the functioning of governance in the Union Territory, but they also continue to fuel tensions around issues of identity, representation, and regional aspirations

The reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was a strategic move by the BJP-led central government to further its divisive political objectives. A central element of this initiative was the party’s intervention in the realm of delimitation, aimed at redrawing electoral boundaries. One of the most controversial aspects of this exercise was the merging of parts of the Pir Panjal region with areas of South Kashmir, a clear attempt to reshape the political landscape in a way that would benefit the BJP. However, the results of the elections told a different story. Despite the engineered creation of a new Parliamentary constituency, the people in these newly configured areas stood firm. In both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, they rejected the BJP, electing non-BJP representatives and defying the political manipulation of the central government. This was especially notable given the BJP’s calculated move to introduce new reservation policies, which were seen as part of an electoral strategy.

The introduction of the new reservation policy aimed to deepen divisions between communities. Initially perceived as a tactic to solidify the BJP’s political base, it quickly sparked widespread unrest across other communities. Not only did it fail to gain support from the intended beneficiaries, but it also faced significant opposition from Jammu’s open merit youth and students. Despite this backlash, the BJP managed to secure a strong mandate from Jammu, where voters, aware of the large protests by the open merit youth and students, still chose to support the BJP.

In Kashmir, however, the situation unfolded differently. As the new reservation policy failed to deliver the expected results in Pir Panjal, it gained significant traction in Kashmir, especially after the formation of a popular government. This shift is crucial to understanding the larger political design, as open merit youth and students rallied against the policy introduced by the BJP.

There is a crucial misalignment in the way the new reservation policy has been received, particularly in terms of where public frustration is directed. The policy was crafted by the BJP-led central government and the Lieutenant Governor’s administration in Jammu and Kashmir, not by the newly elected popular government. Those who are leading this misalignment where the true architects and enforcers of the policy—the central government and the Lieutenant Governor’s administration—are largely shielded from blame. This raises an important question: why, then, has the popular government become the focal point of public anger and frustration and target of public ire?

Among those voicing their concerns are the “new ‘Bakshis’ of Kashmir,” who have taken their grievances to the streets, all the way to the Chief Minister’s office. Surrounded by a political script—a blend of political illusions, identity politics, and moral facades, reminiscent of the BJP’s playbook—this narrative is being pushed forward. Its intent is clear: to undermine collective representation and to further the BJP-led central government’s strategy of deepening divisions within Jammu and Kashmir.

The first immediate consequence of this push will be the subversion of the role and importance of the elected government. Will this serve Jammu and Kashmir? No. Will it serve Kashmir? No. So, the pressing question is: to whom should these questions be directed? The answer lies with those orchestrating these protests, who seek to destabilize the Jammu & Kashmir.

The ongoing divisive politics risk creating lasting friction between communities and could endanger the social fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. This division could ultimately benefit the BJP and RSS in both the short and long term: in the short term, by stalling the functioning of the local government and pushing people away from their elected representatives; and in the long term, by fostering deeper divisions along religious and regional lines, aligning with their broader objective of fragmenting J&K.

The actions and the subsequent narrative of these Gen-Z “Bakshis” raise important questions. Are their efforts truly in support of the youth and students in the Open Merit category, or do they help BJP in advancing their divisive agenda? The answer to this question could shape the future of Jammu & Kashmir’s political landscape, one where the lines between genuine concern and political manipulation blur dangerously.

Furthermore, One might ask whether there is only one unified aspiration across the entire Jammu and Kashmir. The simple answer is no—Jammu and Kashmir is a diverse with a multitude of aspirations, shaped by varying political, cultural, and social factors. it is important to recognize that these aspirations do not represent a singular, monolithic view. However, if the aspiration being referred to is the pursuit of statehood or the restoration of special status, the Omar Abdullah-led government has remained steadfast in their support. They have taken the steps, such as passing resolutions on both issues, and continue to push for these goals with determination.

Omar Abdullah now faces a critical challenge in his leadership of Jammu and Kashmir. Will he yield to empty rhetoric, catering to the wishful thinking and enabling the BJP to advance its agenda? Such a move risks alienating not only the already penetrated section but also the entire Jammu division and also peripheries of Kashmir, further deepening divisions within J&K.

Or, as Chief Minister, should he not recognize his responsibility to represent all of Jammu and Kashmir? His leadership must reflect a commitment to inclusivity, balancing the aspirations of every section to ensure all voices are heard and represented. Wouldn’t this approach better demonstrate his dedication to unifying people of J&K?

A MLA, groomed by New Delhi, a new generation of Kowtowed “Gen-Z Bakhshis.” However, this individual seems to have conveniently forgotten his own questionable actions from a decade now, with the most recent being his pivotal role in taking away the village playground in his area and turning it into a construction site for a Controlled Atmosphere store, favouring one of his acquaintances—rather than addressing the aspirations of the village’s youth. Dispossession, wouldn’t you agree? Let’s not even delve into the J&K Bank recruitment scams and the alleged backdoor appointments that occurred during his tenure as a youth leader of the PDP. These incidents not only undermine integrity but also raise serious questions about their commitment to the principles of merit, justice, and fairness. Is this truly how the aspirations of the youth and students are meant to be addressed?

Such decisions highlight not only a blatant disregard for the needs of the local population but also a broader pattern of self-serving politics. His party is responsible for much more, Their role in the political and social disillusionment of J&K has had lasting consequences, contributing directly to the current state of affairs. The troubling prevalence of their empty rhetoric—grand claims that have historically not served the people of J&K—remains a hallmark of their history. These words have neither served the people of J&K nor will they ever.

Wouldn’t this play directly into the BJP’s agenda? In the short term, fostering instability and public disillusionment. Long term, it risks advancing the BJP’s goal of further dividing J&K along religious and regional lines. Ironically, those positioning themselves as the “voices of Kashmir” could ultimately be seen as its greatest betrayers.


On the other hand, Omar Abdullah’s leadership, at this critical juncture, seems to reflect the broader needs of Jammu and Kashmir as a whole. He is striving to maintain unity within the J&K, ensuring that all sections of society are represented, and working to keep fundamentalist forces at bay. This is especially important in a region as politically and socially complex as Jammu and Kashmir, where divergent viewpoints and historical grievances have often fuelled division. It is crucial for a leader like Omar Abdullah to try to bring together these different strands of society, focusing on stability, cooperation, and the protection of democratic values.

Irfan Gull is an activist associated with JKNC.

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