SRINAGAR The PDP, National Conference and Congress have agreed to join hands to form a new government in Jammu and Kashmir, senior PDP leader Altaf Bukhari said here on Wednesday.
The businessman-turned-politician said around 60 MLAs were supporting the proposed alliance in the 87-member House.
“The leaders have agreed to form an alliance. The PDP, NC, Congress at the leadership level have agreed. What are the contours of the alliance, it has not come down to MLAs. I am an MLA and I have been told only this much,” Bukhari told reporters here.
The Peoples Democratic Party leader, who met National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah earlier in the day, said he did not discuss the alliance issue with the former chief minister.
“We keep on meeting. I had no talks about the alliance but generally we all meet,” he said.
Bukhari, who is tipped to lead the alliance if it comes to fruition, denied that he had called a meeting of PDP MLAs in connection with government formation.
Asked if he was in the running for the chief minister’s post, Bukhari said, “There is no such thing. The chief minister will be from among the leaders. This issue is not about chief ministership”.
“This alliance is being formed to address the Kashmir issue, the situation in Kashmir and to protect the special identity of the state that we have in the Constitution of India.
“As elected representatives, we have to respond to the aspirations of the people and the emerging situation. Article 370 and Article 35-A are under attack. This alliance is not being formed for being in power,” he added.
To a query on when would the alliance be announced formally, he said, “It should be made very soon. Nothing has been planned for today in view of Eid Milad-un-Nabi celebrations”.
Mehbooba Rushes To Delhi To Meet Sonia
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti flew to New Delhi Wednesday evening to meet Congress party chairperson Sonia Gandhi amid reports that PDP and Congress were gearing up to stake claim for government formation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Reports suggest PDP and Congress will stake claim for government formation with the support of National Conference to checkmate BJP which has beeen trying to cobble up a third front under the leadership of Sajad Lone of Peoples Conference.
Barring senior party leader Mustafa Kamal, top brass of the party, including father-son duo of Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah have extended support to the PDP-Congress coalition with a rider that speaker should be from the National Conference.
PDP insiders told Kashmir Observer that Muhammad Altaf Bukhari, who is tipped as Chief Minister, instead of Mehbooba Mufti is likely to meet Governor Satyapal Malik on Thursday.
(With Inputs From PTI)
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