Last week what could Colin Powell, representing a divided US government, have achieved by conferring with a divided Indian government? Our government ...
To achieve this, Farooq Abdullah had to be appropriately accommodated in Delhi. Omar was to succeed him as CM. Omar was sounded and was cooperative. He was ready for governor's rule during polls. The PM appointed Ram Jethmalani as unofficial interlocutor to parley with separatist groups.
Then Advani became the deputy PM. Things got unstuck. Advani wanted Arun Jaitley with cabinet rank to become the official interlocutor in Kashmir. He announced as much in Parliament. The RSS and VHP demanded trifurcation of Jammu-Kashmir. Advani opposed them. He supports Farooq and the status quo.
Farooq was not suitably accommodated at the Centre. So he decided to continue as the CM. He shot down the proposal of polls under governor's rule. The poll therefore would not be credible. Chances of the separatist groups participating in the election rapidly receded.
Vested interests have created a strange situation. In pursuance of their individual interests, Pakistan, the RSS and Farooq developed a common aim to rob the election of credibility. Pakistan wants separatists to boycott the poll and destroy its credibility internationally. Farooq would not like participation of the separatists, who in a fair poll could pose a challenge. The RSS would not like a credible Muslim government to continue governing Hindu Jammu and Buddhist Ladakh.
The PM and the deputy PM are pursuing their separate ways too. Jaitley has started to function as the interlocutor even before Jethmalani has ceased to become one. But Jaitley is not sufficiently empowered. And his dialogue seems limited to Farooq. He was appointed because Advani had shot off his mouth in Parliament. Jaitley's wings were clipped because BJP president Venkaiah Naidu did not take kindly to his general secretary functioning with a cabinet rank.
Thus the BJP infighting continues. Nobody in this government can help Kashmir. Please, is there anyone in Kashmir who can help this government?
History will not absolve
The PM for failure to resolve
How Kashmir might be solved
Before the House is dissolved.