Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed passed away on January 7, leaving behind a legacy and, chaos as alliance partners Bharatiya Janata Party and the People's Democratic Party scurried to claim a larger share in the state cabinet. PDP party members sought defence, pouting over statements and comments made by the BJP. Springing into action no sooner the deceased politician was laid to rest, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said PDP would have to take the first call, making it clear that his party wanted the existing power-sharing arrangement between the two parties to continue.
He also rejected reports regarding fresh conditions by PDP or BJP as “mere speculation”, refusing to accept that both parties put up fresh conditions. He positively asserted that no political discussion started between them as Sayeed's daughter and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti was in deep mourning. When asked about the uncertainty, he said, “PDP can answer this question. They have to think about the process and have to complete from their side. It is for PDP to take the first call from their side. They have to decide about their leader and come forward. I hope they take a decision soon so that this kind of uncertainty ends.”
Jammu and Kashmir has always been wrapped in controversies with the recent one brought by the demise of Mufti Sayeed. Political circles in Srinagar came to life with the PDP's list of complaints against BJP, with the Centre “choking financial aid” to the state and Prime Minister Narendra Modi missing in action at Mufti's funeral. Sources from the party said Mehbooba was upset with the national party demanding rotational chief ministership and more portfolios mere hours after the veteran politician's death. They also said her dilemma began from sensing that the average Kashmiri is unhappy about the parties' tie-up. It only got worse with the poor turnout for her father's funeral in hometown Bijbehara.
Mehbooba on the other hand, gave no indications about how soon a new government would be formed in Jammu and Kashmir, much to the eager BJP's chagrin. “So far nothing has changed. Any further development on the formation of government would depend on how soon the party president is able to hold consultations and seek advice on the issue,” senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar told agencies when asked whether any step had been initiated for forming the next government.
Matters only get worse with speculations triggered when Congress leaders like Sonia Gandhi visited Mehbooba at her residence. While the regional party issued a letter to Governor N N Vohra saying that all its 27 members support Mehbooba as the new chief minister, BJP did not convey its position, forcing the Governor to impose President's Rule in the state.
However, it is believed that she will take oath as the new Chief Minister after the end of the seven-day official mourning, said a party leader. The party also said that neither it nor BJP had set any preconditions for the formation of the new government.
“Without any preconditions from either side, Mehboobaji will take oath as the chief minister any time after the seven-day official mourning ends,” PDP spokesman Mehboob Beg told reporters. “The terms of alliance already worked out will continue to govern the relationship between the two parties in the next government,” he asserted. Beg said the PDP president will respect the people's mandate and carry forward the agenda of development set by Mufti Sayeed.
