Ram Madhav, a senior BJP leader, has become a focal point in the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, with his role and mission drawing attention by political parties. 

Omar Abdullah, vice-president of the National Conference, has suggested that Madhav’s presence in Jammu and Kashmir is indicative of the BJP’s strategy to potentially reforge an alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Mehbooba Mufti. Abdullah referenced former governor Satya Pal Malik’s recent statements, which implied that the BJP might be preparing for a significant loss and thus seeking to collaborate with its former ally, the PDP.

“Ram Madhav has been sent to seek the support of Mehbooba,” Malik said in Delhi. 

Madhav, known for his role in the 2015 alliance between the BJP and PDP, saw his influence wane during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second term. 

 “Ram Madhav was responsible for bringing the PDP and the BJP on one platform. He brokered the alliance. Perhaps he has been brought back for this purpose,” Omar Abdullah said.

In response, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti criticized Abdullah’s statements, highlighting past instances where the National Conference had collaborated with the BJP and questioning the timing and intentions behind such accusations.

“It is they (NC) who brought Pota (Prevention of Terrorist Act) to this place and banned shahtoosh (shawls). They advocated an attack on Pakistan. When we joined hands with the BJP, we did it on certain conditions. We withdrew FIRs on 12,000 people. We brought a delegation from Delhi to talk to the Hurriyat,” she said.