PDP leaders want to look for new coalition partners

The rupture in the PDP-BJP tie-up after the death of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed has left everyone guessing what PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti has on her mind. While some have speculated that she might go ahead with the ally BJP, and form a government, others say Ms.Mufti might call off the political partnership, paving the way for new elections after three months of Governor’s rule.

But PDP sources said the party was not ready to contest elections as it fears a defeat. And a new demand — of finding new partners other than the BJP that have “secular” credentials — is gaining momentum within the party fold.

The significant development took place on January 18, when the PDP leaders met for the first time after Sayeed’s death. Sources privy to the meeting said that the majority of senior party leaders advocated giving the BJP another chance and reinstating the alliance.

Tariq Hameed Karra, MP and a founding member of the PDP, later met Ms.Mufti at her residence and advocated a different strategy. Mr.Karra argued that if political foes such as the RJD, JDU and Congress could come together in Bihar, the PDP, NC and Congress could do the same in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to PDP sources, Ms.Mufti asked Mr.Karra if he was aware of the political risks involved in working out such an alliance where the people of Jammu, majority of whom chose the BJP over the Congress, may feel alienated. “To that, Karra Sahib said the Congress has some councillors in Jammu who could be brought into the government with important portfolios,” he said.