No problems with alliance partner BJP, says PDP

SRINAGAR: Amid suspense on government formation in Jammu & Kashmir, senior PDP leaders maintained the party had ‘no problems’ with its alliance partners BJP. The delay in oath-taking ceremony triggered speculation of ‘strain within the coalition partners”, with BJP demanding more ministerial berths and PDP wanting smooth functioning of the possible future coalition government.

Sonia Gandhi’s visit to Srinagar on Sunday also fuelled rumors that Congress was making efforts to join hands with PDP in J&K. “There is not an iota of truth in any of these rumors. Mehbooba has lost her father, mentor, friend philosopher and guide. She is shock and needs sometime. She is not desperate to take oath,” senior PDP leader and minister Altaf Bukhari told ET.

Another PDP leader and a minister in Sayeed’s cabinet, Asiea Naqash echoed the sentiment. “As for as I know there is no problem with BJP. Our party will meet and decide on the future course.

Mehboobaji is passing through a sad phase. Let us give her some space and time,” Naqash said. Sources said Mehbooba has asked partymen not to talk on government formation. Mehbooba, few party insiders claim wants to directly deal with the top BJP leadership in New Delhi and avoid any go-betweens. This could be one of the factors, why Ram Madhav’s meeting with Mehbooba could not deliver any immediate results.

Mehbooba, in a statement on Monday, invoked her late father and Mufti Sayeed, showering praise at administration for “expeditiously partnering with the political leadership and toil tirelessly to turn Mufti sahab’s vision for J&K’s prosperity into reality”.

The PDP chief’s statement is seen both as ‘courteous acknowledgment’ of the efforts of administration and also signaling the arrival of the ‘new boss’.