No tweaking of ‘agenda’, BJP tells PDP

As uncertainty looms over government formation in Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP has apparently made it clear to the PDP that a delay in initiating the process of government formation would only prove counter-productive for Mehbooba Mufti.

Making it clear that there will be no deviation or tweaking in the 2015 “Agenda for alliance”, the BJP, which is leading the ruling alliance at the Centre, has also made it clear that Jammu and Kashmir will get its due. A section within the PDP wants a rethink on its alliance with the saffron party while the other feels a rethink will only prove that party patron Mufti Muhammad Sayeed’s decision to ally with the BJP was wrong.

Ms Mufti, who was named PDP chairperson after Sayeed’s death earlier this month, is also the chief ministerial candidate.

A powerful section within the PDP wants Ms Sayeed to rethink the 10-month-old PDP-BJP alliance which was ruling the state. Jammu and Kashmir is currently under governor’s rule as the PDP is yet to get back to the BJP over government formation.

Sources disclosed that among the issues are concerning the PDP include whether or not Ms Mufti will be able to win a byelection to enter the state Assembly by a “decent margin”.

A poor turnout at Sayeed’s funeral has worried the PDP after which a section in the party expressed concern over continuing the alliance with the BJP. The PDP is also planning to send Ms Mufti’s brother to the Lok Sabha.

Ms Mufti currently represents Anantnag parliamentary constituency. The PDP is apparently also divided over the issue of who will represent it in the Union Cabinet.

Sources disclosed that while an assurance on the issue has been given by the BJP, the PDP will find it tough to finalise a name as there are said to be many contenders. Speculation is also rife within the PDP as to who will be the pointperson for the party as Ms Mufti will be heading the government.