Muhammad Mukaram
Early Times Report
Srinagar, Jan 30: Jan: 30: The government formation in Jammu and Kashmir continues to remain in suspense after the death of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on January 7, and if the sources are to be believed, Mufti's daughter and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti is preparing for mid-term elections.
PDP insiders said a decision has already been taken by Mehbooba during meetings with her party members and she is likely to make the decision public after taking fresh feedback from the party leadership soon.
While the PDP leadership is silent over the immediate political plan or timeframe in the government formation, sources said the leaders are waiting to see change in the course of action. "I can't say anything what will happen. But anything is possible; no one except the main leadership knows what will happen," a party leader said. He however claimed that the chances of a possible re-election are seemingly higher.
"The party leaders are now considering the option of reelections seriously," he said, adding that the party has started membership drive in all constituencies and are getting feedback from the legislatures of their respective constituencies.
"Then it will be decided whether the party will go for reelection or not," sources added.
Putting the ball in BJPs court, a PDP insider said, "We have made it clear that the government formation depends on the consent of BJPs at the central command. So far have they (BJP) did not show any interest. If they give assurance on the smooth implementation of the 'Agenda of Alliance', Mehbooba may reconsider the government formation."
While Mehbooba is taking a 'feedback' from many quarters regarding the government formation, the party will meet on January 31 to deliberate upon the issue of taking reins of the state. When Mehbooba recently met a group of young entrepreneurs, she had expressed her willingness to help their businesses. "I am ready to help you even in the opposition or as Member Parliament," she told the group pointing out her hesitation towards the government formation.
Withdrawal from the coalition, according to observers, seems a better option for PDP, which lost a majority of people's goodwill for helping BJP to make inroads in the Muslim majority state.
Several others, however, believe that continuation of the alliance with BJP can help the party to regain its 'soft-separatist' constituency, provided it doesn't repeat the policies pursued by late Mufti. |
