The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the BJP state leadership have discussed in detail all the important aspects of the “agenda of alliance” which need to be addressed in a “time-bound manner”. Informed sources told The Sunday Guardian that after the closed-door meeting between the state BJP leadership and PDP leaders in Jammu, the chances of a new alliance have brightened as both sides have agreed on all “important matters”.
Political observers feel that both the PDP and the BJP have realised that after only 10 months in power, they cannot go back to the people to get a fresh mandate and such a mid-term poll will only benefit the Congress and National Conference in the state. Due to their own compulsions, both the parties have decided to end their stalemate and start a fresh innings of governance as the state came under Central rule after sitting Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed died on 7 January 2016.
On Wednesday, PDP and BJP leaders met in Jammu and decided to break the logjam and move ahead and make a “fresh beginning” to usher in peace and development in the entire state. Former Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Dr Nirmal Singh, after holding parleys with the PDP leadership in Jammu, briefed the Central leadership in Delhi about their talks and also gave his feedback from the party cadres regarding the continuation of the coalition with the PDP.
Informed sources said that PDP president Mehbooba Mufti is already in touch with BJP general secretary Ram Madhav who has been authorised to hold talks for government formation in the state. “Talks with Mehbooba Mufti will be held with Ram Madhav and Amit Shah in a few days,” a senior PDP leader privy to the developments told this newspaper, adding that talks have already begun.
The PDP leadership, during the informal talks, made it clear that the Central government will have to make some commitments, especially about peace in the region and will have to provide some “room” for the party to carry on its “Kashmir-centric political agenda”.
The BJP leadership has already shown indications that they were not averse to the implementation of “agenda of alliance” and will like to implement it in letter and spirit.
Mehbooba Mufti had hardened her stand in the recent past, making it clear that she will not take oath as the first woman Chief Minister of the state unless she has the “clear support” of the BJP leadership at the Centre.
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