BJP open to forming govt with PDP or NC

As stalemate over government formation continues in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is trying its best to persuade either of the two regional parties – the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) or National Conference – for an alliance.

Sources told Deccan Herald that the BJP central leadership is engaged in a “secret dialogue” with the regional parties over government formation as the saffron outfit wants to make use of its mandate.

“BJP president Amit Shah has authorised national secretary Ram Madhav to strike a deal with the PDP. Madhav is in touch with the PDP leadership since December 23 and some issues like Article 370 and AFSPA have already been settled,” sources said. 

“On rotational chief minister issue, the BJP is hell-bent on seeking a three-year term given the nature of the mandate the party has received from the Jammu region. The party is hopeful of striking a deal with the PDP,” sources added.To build pressure on the PDP, sources said, the BJP leadership is also in touch with the NC. “It’s a number game and if we can strike a deal with the NC also there is no harm in it. Politics is the art of possibilities,” a senior BJP leader said.

BJP’s state secretary (organization) Ashok Koul confirmed that the party’s central leadership is “actively” talking to both the PDP and NC. “J&K can’t have a government without the BJP. We have a mandate and a huge vote share, though we couldn’t manage seats from Kashmir and Ladakh,” Koul, who is the BJP’s core group leader, said.

PDP chief spokesman Nayeem Akhtar said that informal dialogue was on with the BJP. However, he evaded questions on holding formal talks with the BJP over government formation.

“We will not make any compromise with regional aspirations,” he told Deccan Herald.


Sources said, in view of the upcoming Rajya Sabha by-polls which will decide, among others, the fate of Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, both the BJP and PDP area eager to strike a deal before February 7.The PDP won 28 seats in Assembly polls held in November-December, emerging as the single-largest party, followed by the BJP with 25 seats. The NC and Congress bagged 15 and 12 seats respectively, while seven other seats went to smaller parties and independents.The state came under governor’s rule on January 8 after NC leader Omar Abdullah stepped down as the caretaker chief minister. The political impasse over government formation continues since December 23 when the election results were announced.DH News Service