Is the PDP-BJP alliance nearing its end?

Former Chief Minister and National Conference Working President Omar Abdullah Tuesday Lashing out at the PDP-BJP alliance said the ambiguity in Govt formation had adversely affected the political atmosphere in the state and had thrown the state into an apparently indefinite period of uncertainty. “It would have to be for friendly relations between India and Pakistan which is essential for peace in Jammu and Kashmir”, she said.

The PDP has been holding back channel negotiations with the rightwing party for government formation in Jammu and Kashmir for almost a month now with two senior leaders, Dr Haseeb Drabu and Dr Amitabh Mattoo, camping in the national capital to break the ice.

Recalling the tenure of her late father as chief minister between 2002-2005, Mehbooba said a coordinated effort was made by the state government and the Centre on “internal and external fronts” which had a good impact on the ground. “But, when the people of the state, its youth or its regions do not reap any benefits of that (government), and when we can not play a role in bringing peace here, then tell me what will I do with that chair”, she added.

Mehbooba Mufti said there were issues of systemic political and economic disempowerment, security concerns, mounting alienation, sense of deprivation, wanton exploitation of state’s natural resources, unemployment, social issues and unaccountability in the State.

She, however, said that her taking charge as chief minister should come with a firm promise of peace and progress, and she was not interested in mere flags, cavalcades and sirens. Jammu and Kashmir has been under governor’s rule since Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, who headed the PDP-BJP alliance government, died in January. The PDP was hoping for financial sops specific to Jammu and Kashmir, over and above the ones already contained in Centre’s allocations, to open a window for government formation, sources say.

BJP leaders said they have put forth their point and the ball now is in the court of the PDP.

Mehbooba Mufti should tell the people what she has demanded from the Central Government.

Any imminent concession, either political or financial, as a precondition to let Mehbooba Mufti take up the chief ministership is now unlikely from the central government.

They said on one hand Mehbooba has repeatedly said that PDP has sought CBMs from the central government while as on other side, senior PDP leaders including Muzaffar Baig have said no such CBMs have been demanded.