SRINAGAR: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Monday sent an emissary to Delhi to talk to the Bharatiya Janata Party leadership (BJP) apparently hinting at a softened stance with regard to the formation of government in Jammu and Kashmir.
The shape and structure of the new government, however, continue to be uncertain as the PDP cadre has authorised party chief, Mehbooba Mufti, to take the final call who apparently is in no hurry to walk to the chief ministerial chair.
Meanwhile, the BJP is adopting a wait and watch strategy and does not want to rush to form government in the state. “The process is in the final phase, BJP leader Ram Madhav said. We are waiting for them to decide. Positive results will be out very soon.
The PDP held a meeting on Sunday and decided on the government formation in Jammu and Kashmir. It is most likely that they will continue with the PDP-BJP government,” Madhav said.
PDP sources said that the party is confident the BJP will adhere to the alliance’s agenda.
At heart, Mehbooba Mufti must be in a genuine dilemma though her options are limited. Its a tough decision, and with Mehbooba Mufti who was fondly attached to her father, the decision gets all more the tough, a close confidante of Ms Mehbooba Mufti told Kashmir Observer. Therere a lot of issues to ponder overwholl be the party president, wholl contest the seat left behind by the demise of Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, whether India would continue to play indifferent to Kashmirjust to name a few.
One of the major reasons for her unwillingness is her noticeable rage over the way her father was treated by his coalition partner in New Delhi.
The delay in this transfer of funds even after he appealed from his deathbed is only the tip of an iceberg of resentment.
Mehbooba, who was very fond of her father, had to watch him being humiliated over a series of issues ever since he took office almost a year ago.
The state is under Governor’s Rule with effect from January 8, a day after Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s death, as the PDP and BJP, alliance partners in state government since March 1, 2015, failed to stake claim for formation of a new dispensation.
It is learnt that PDP will seek more financial support from the Central government and would like written assurance on it from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Centre should give a written assurance that it will provide more financial support to Jammu and Kashmir in addition to the PMs Rs 80000 crore package announced last year in November, Mehbooba Mufti is learnt to have communicated to New Delhi.
Sources said the recent meeting of Union Finance Secretary RP Watal with Mehbooba was held in this backdrop.
New Delhi has reportedly agreed to the demand of the PDP leadership.
The demand of additional financial assistance has risen due to devastating floods in 2014, and development needs of the state.
Besides additional financial support, PDP will raise the demand of returning states hydel power projects from National Hydro Power Corporation.
Sources said that Mehbooba welcomed the thaw in Indo-Pak ties and the continuing of dialogue in the aftermath of Pathankot Airbase attack.
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