In a significant development, senior PDP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig was observed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally held here on Tuesday, sparking fresh speculation regarding potential defections to the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir.
As one of the founding members of the PDP, Baig’s presence at the rally, where Prime Minister Modi addressed a large gathering, has raised eyebrows, particularly amidst recent instances of prominent tribal leaders from various parties joining the BJP in the region. Notably, if Baig decides to switch allegiances, he would become the first Pahari leader from the Kashmir province to do so.
Responding to inquiries about his potential shift to the BJP, Baig neither confirmed nor denied the speculation, stating, “Can’t one come to listen to one’s PM?” However, he emphasized that his attendance at the rally was a matter of duty rather than a political statement. Speaking highly of PM Modi, Baig highlighted the significant development initiatives undertaken under his leadership, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, where he claimed to witness a substantial surge in development, especially in Kashmir.
Contrary to prevailing beliefs that the abrogation of Article 370 might lead to backlash against the Modi government in Kashmir during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Baig expressed confidence that the BJP would perform well in the region. Baig’s involvement with the PDP dates back to its inception in the late 1990s, although he had recently experienced differences within the party regarding ticket distribution for the District Development Council polls. Despite briefly joining Sajad Lone’s Peoples Conference in March 2021, he later rejoined the PDP last month, affirming that he had never actually left.
However, Baig’s return to the PDP was met with reservations from party members, particularly due to his perceived deviation from the party’s stance on Article 370.
Additionally, his acceptance of the Padma Bhushan award in January 2020, amidst the party leadership’s detention, further strained relations. Amidst ongoing seat-sharing negotiations in J&K, Baig’s appearance at PM Modi’s rally adds fuel to existing rumors about possible alliances between the BJP and other regional parties. The recent passage of Bills extending Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to Pahari-speaking ethnic groups, along with other developments, has significantly impacted the political landscape in the region, prompting speculation about potential realignments among key political figures.
