PDP’s dilemma: To go with funds or ideology?

SRINAGAR: Fragmented election results in J&K have placed single-largest party PDP on the horns of a dilemma. For CM-favourite Mufti Mohammed Sayeed the question is who to choose as partner without compromising on PDP's ideology that's antithetical to BJP's.

PDP leaders like MP and former FM Muzaffar Beig say BJP can't be treated like a political untouchable. "BJP's agenda, like calling for a debate on Article 370, is acceptable," said Beig. But PDP spokesman Naeem Akhtar maintained the party's divided on the issue and Mufti would be the one taking a call on who to take as partner. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said the party would take time to explore alliance possibilities. "Priority is not cobbling together numbers," she said.

The polarization of votes will play a significant role in PDP's decision. Hindu-majority Jammu voted for BJP while Muslim-majority Valley chose PDP. But Mufti knows well development issues that confront the common Kashmiri and that Centre's help would be required to ensure smooth fl ow of funds for the state's development especially in Jammu in the aftermath of the fl oods. The politics can, for now, wait. A new government minus BJP would also alienate Jammu's people, who've traditionally felt left-out of Valley-oriented politician agendas. Akhtar said, "We're conscious of difficulties in going with BJP. We're in a dilemma that'll be resolved after PDP's political affairs committee meets."

Sensing opportunity, Congress announced support to PDP, Ghulam Nabi Azad saying PDP's ideology isn't in sync with BJP's political agenda. "It's up to Mufti to decide on the Congress's offer." BJP too is waiting for PDP make the fi rst move. Party chief Amit Shah said BJP's kept its options open. "If it (alliance) doesn't happen, we'll sit in the Opposition," Shah told reporters.

A senior PDP functionary said PDP does not want rotational CM-ship and would want a PDP CM for six years. "This can work only with Congress and Independents," he said, requesting anonymity. A senior BJP leader said the party wouldn't object to Mufti as CM for six years.