PDP likely to stick with BJP, but wants free hand

The PDP, led by Ms Mehbooba Mufti, has apparently decided to go with the BJP. Ms Mufti has called a meeting of PDP leaders on Sunday to take a final call on government formation.

While Ms Mufti is reportedly veering closer to the idea of forming government with its alliance partner BJP, she, however, has sent feelers that her party needs “assurances” that it will be given a “free hand” in policy matters, sources revealed. Ms Mufti also intends to review the implementation of the “Agenda of the Alliance”.

Speculation was also rife that she has demanded engaging the separatists in Kashmir talks. BJP sources, when contacted, also revealed that Ms Mufti could be needing “assurances” on “freeing” jailed separatist leaders. This particular demand could put the Modi government at the Centre in a tight spot.

Despite the PDP’s posturing, saffron leaders indicated that the BJP was “not willing” to renegotiate the “Agenda of the Alliance”. The party has so far refused to concede Ms Mufti’s demands for “indulging” the separatists. The BJP seems confident that owing to the PDP’s lack of numbers it has “no option” but to stick with the BJP. “She’ll not be able to provide a stable government if she tries to snap ties with us and joins hands with the Congress. Her game plan of forming a minority government with the Congress will not work,” a BJP functionary said. BJP leaders said they were waiting for the outcome of Sunday’s meeting.

While there were strong indications that Ms Mufti could eventually go for government formation with the BJP, she has apparently asked her party to launch a fresh membership drive to prepare the party for the eventuality of a snap poll.

At this juncture there are several issues Ms Mufti wants renegotiated. They include revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, Centre-owned power projects based on state rivers to be handed over to the state, and involvement of the J&K government in talks with Pakistan that relate to Kashmir. The PDP also wants the BJP to refrain from raking up controversial issues like Article 370 and beef bans.