Why BJP pulled the plug in Jammu and Kashmir

Both PDP and BJP were looking for an exit to shore up credentials among respective constituencies. BJP moved pre-emptively to seize political high ground.

Gulf between the partners had widened. Disagreements rose over security strategy after Burhan Wani’s killing. PDP wanted a softer approach towards stone-pelters + and militants, mindful of massive resentment in Valley.

Mehbooba Mufti’s moves mollifying her supporters in the Valley by raising the ante on Kathua gang rape and Army/security forces’ operations further annoyed BJP’s constituency.

BJP went along with PDP’s demand for a ceasefire during Ramzan + . This was not reciprocated by Pakistan-backed terror groups or separatists, and dented BJP’s image nationally.

The ‘pre-emptive’ strike against Mehbooba Mufti is aimed at repairing the damage. BJP was keen to pull out earlier but waited until Tuesday so that state elections don’t have to be held before 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

The killing of journalist Shujaat Bukhari + provided the impetus for Centre to take control. BJP will revive its hardline nationalist theme, starting with S P Mookerjee’s death anniversary on June 23.

BJP Leader's Brother Booked for 'Derogatory' Remarks Against J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti

An FIR was on Monday registered against the brother of senior BJP leader Lal Singh after a video showing him using derogatory language against Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti during a rally in Kathua went viral.

A case under section 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of Ranbir Penal Code and Section 66A of the Information Technology Act was registered against Singh's brother, Senior Superintendent of Police, Kathua, Shridhar Patil said.

Singh, former state minister, had on Sunday led a massive rally from Lakhanpur to Hiranagar in Kathua district to press for CBI probe into the rape and murder of an 8-year-old girl in January.

The 26-second video clip purportedly shot during the 'Dogri Swabhiman' rally shows Choudhary Rajinder Singh, younger brother of Lal Singh, atop a vehicle and using abusive language against the chief minister.

A group of people on foot can be seen enjoying and clapping in the video as the rally moves.

Former chief minister and opposition National Conference working president Omar Abdullah reacted sharply to the footage and demanded registration of FIR against the BJP leader's brother.

Taking to Twitter, Abdullah said that the language used against CM Mufti was 'absolutely unacceptable'