The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) dilly-dallying on Jammu and Kashmir government formation despite seven-day state mourning ending on Wednesday, has left the BJP in a tizzy.
The BJP leaders have been maintaining that there are no new conditions from the party except the common minimum programme agreed between the coalition partners to run the government. But, some statements coming from the PDP leaders, though not alarming, have in-between uncharitable comments that has triggered worries among BJP leaders. PDP leader Naeem Akhtar, who is close to Muftis, talked about review of the agenda of governance of the ten-month old coalition government to ascertain how much of it is reflected on the ground.
Akhtar said in Srinagar that “an agenda of alliance was drafted...it has to be implemented”. At the same time, he insisted that a review was required for implementation of “the common vision of the PM (Modi) and Mufti Sahab regarding J&K”.
Akhtar pointed out developing smart cities and return of power projects to assess progress of development projects in the state.
BJP leaders assess this statement as an indication of reshuffle of development portfolios which are mostly held by BJP ministers, starting from deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh who is minister for power, housing and urban development.
The BJP had kept these ministries under a power sharing formula because it wanted to keep a check on pilferage of funds coming from the Centre besides taking credit of developing the Muslim dominated state bordering Pakistan.
On the other hand, important ministries like finance, education and home were with the PDP. BJP leaders do not see a threat to the coalition government, but wonder why the PDP was publicly emphasising on governance issues. Mehbooba is expected to take over as CM after her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s death, said BJP sources.
Akhtar, however, said that Mehbooba was still mourning and has not called a meeting of the PDP leaders to roll out the process of government formation to lift the Governor’s rule.
