With hectic parleys on in Jammu and Kashmir over government formation, senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has floated the idea of a “grand alliance” between Peoples Democratic Party, National Conference and the Congress, to form the next government.
While Azad’s proposal found takers in National Conference, the Peoples Democratic Party-which emerged as single-largest party has not reacted openly so far.
Azad is reported to have said that if PDP or National Conference chooses to go with the BJP, the government will be “most heterogeneous and no one can predict the consequences.
He blamed BJP for “going whole hog and pressuring” the regional parties to form the next government.
On the other hand the BJP, which swept the polls in Jammu region and won 25 seats for the first time in the state is also reportedly negotiating the government formation with different political parties in the state.
AIR correspondent reports, according to Azad the PDP-NC-Congress combination would be “the best” for the state as it would not only give a stable government but “most importantly” represent all regions of J&K.
The PDP which is exploring option to form the government has kept all its cards close to its chest.
The party's top brass has been holding consultations at the residence of the PDP patron Mufti Muhammad Sayeed in Srinagar to explore the “best option” for government formation.
But what is preventing PDP to accept the proposal of Azad is how to accommodate Jammu in this proposition as BJP has got 25 seats from Jammu region.
Meanwhile, PDP says all options are open as no decision has yet been taken by the party on the formation of new government in the state with any other party.
PDP spokesperson Naeem Akhter said PDP has sought assurance from the BJP over certain issues like safeguarding Article 370 and revocation of AFSPA which form the core agenda of the regional party.
He said the leadership of PDP, which emerged as the single largest party in the assembly elections, was discussing all its options for government formation including an alliance with the BJP.
