Month on, questions galore on PDP-BJP alliance

Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 6

As the stalemate over government formation continues a month after Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s death, there is still no clarity whether or not the PDP-BJP alliance exists.

While the PDP has been seeking tangible action on confidence-building measures before government formation, the BJP is not ready to give more and wants the arrangement during Mufti’s tenure to continue.

After the death of the Chief Minister, everyone has been keen to hear from the Fairview residence of Mehbooba Mufti on the alliance.

At the moment, she wants time-bound assurances from the BJP on implementation of the ‘Agenda of Alliance’, the document framed as a roadmap for the PDP-BJP coalition last year.

She will take a call only as and when she is confident that the vision and mission of the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed will be carried forward and implemented in letter and spirit.

In the last one month, PDP top leaders have rallied behind Mehbooba and authorised her to take a call on government formation.

She has been holding consultations with party leaders, legislators and social activists both in Srinagar and Jammu. Mehbooba’s maternal uncle and senior leader Sartaj Madni said the party was on the right path.

“People are appreciating her stand. The PDP cannot form the government just for the sake of power. If we form the government, we will ensure that Mufti Saheb’s objective of addressing core political and economic issues confronting J&K is fulfilled,” Madni said.