After the fall of the Shaikh Abdullah government in the state, the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly presented a draft of the proposed Constitution of Jammu-Kashmir. The Constituent Assembly began brainstorming discussions on it, but ironically, the opinion and representation of the people were not given any consideration, and citizens were not involved in the discussions
The Drafting Committee’s Proposal and Lack of Public Representation:
The solo political outfit, National Conference, dominated the Constituent Assembly with no other political party representation. The representatives from Jammu belonged to National Conference, despite lacking mass support in the Jammu region. This ‘mis’ selection process disregarded the people’s mandate.
Praja Parishad’s Concerns and Correspondence with Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad:
Pandit Premnath Dogra corresponded with Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad about this, sparking discontent among the people of Jammu and Ladakh. Praja Parishad, from the beginning, favored implementing the federal constitution in its entirety. Although the party supported the Nehru-Shaikh government due to international conditions, they found the proposed draft absolutely dissatisfactory.
Initiating Debate on the Proposed Draft:
Praja Parishad initiated a debate in the state regarding the proposed draft, but Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad avoided facing the questions.
Presenting Apprehensions to President Rajendra Prasad:
In April 1954, Praja Parishad presented a memorandum to the then Hon. President Rajendra Prasad, outlining their apprehensions regarding the proposed draft’s shortcomings.
Significant Proposals at the Executive Meeting:
In November 1954, Praja Parishad organized an Executive meeting at Parade Ground in Jammu, where they discussed significant issues that would change the disposition of the party. The first proposal was regarding the termination of the post of Sadar-e-Riyasat as there can only be one single minister in the country.
Opposition and Aggression towards Praja Parishad:
During their endeavors, Praja Parishad faced opposition and aggression from the National Conference, manifesting in protests and attacks.
Bharatiya Jansangh’s Annual General Meeting and Leadership Appointment:
From 30th December 1954 to 1st January 1955, Bharatiya Jansangh held its annual general meeting in Jodhpur. Premnath Dogra ji was appointed as the president of Bharatiya Jan Sangh in the Jodhpur session, making it the first time someone from Jammu Kashmir held this position.
Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad’s Resignation and ‘Kamraj Plan’:
In October 1963, Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad was asked to resign under the ‘Kamraj plan’ by Pandit Nehru, dismantling his grip on administration marred by bribery and corruption.
Praja Parishad’s Merger with Bharatiya Jansangh:
Praja Parishad continued to put efforts into implementing the federal constitution in the state. They decided to merge with Bharatiya Jansangh to create a nation-level platform for state politics.
Proposing Abrogation of Article 370:
On 13th and 14th October 1963, Praja Parishad called for a two-day meeting at Akhnoor, passing the proposal to adopt the Constitution, Manifesto, and the flag of Bharatiya Jan Sangh. It was unanimously declared that Bharatiya Jansangh remained committed to the infinite accession of Jammu-Kashmir in Bharat.
Straining Relations with National Parties:
Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad opposed this viewpoint, fearing national parties would amplify problems and strain relations with Bharat.
Praja Parishad’s General Meeting and Glorious End to a Sixteen-Year Journey:
In December 1963, Praja Parishad held its general meeting in Jammu, passing the motion for the merger in Bharatiya Jansangh unanimously, marking a glorious end to a sixteen-year journey. They embarked on a new journey as part of a national political outfit.
Conclusion:
Praja Parishad’s contribution and existence in Jammu Kashmir are inevitable in the history of independent Bharat. Although challenges persisted, they stood as a golden lining of hope for the people of Jammu and Ladakh to remain united with Bharat.
Sources:
Read more: https://mahabaho.com/dr-mukharjees-sacrifice-shatters-shaikh-abdullahs-dreams/
https://mahabaho.com/approaching-independence-2/
https://www.jammukashmirnow.com/Encyc/2021/6/7/Story-Of-India-s-First-Nationalist-Movement-Praja-Parishad-Its-emergence-birth-of-organizational.html
Madhvi Bhuta is the National Executive of BJP Mahila Morcha and a Columnist on various Forums.
