This refers to the editorial, “Nationalist to the core” (January 8). Mufti Mohammed Sayeed was a statesman who knew the art of maintaining a fine balance between his political career and his personal relations. That is why, he was friends with many tall leaders of the country, and trusted and respected by all. The Mufti's politics was a strange combination of aggression and pliability. His art of gauging people's pulse was legendary and, though he had his share of critics, he could deftly negotiate all hurdles with aplomb. Undoubtedly, his stint as the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir was the highest point in his political graph.
Despite severely criticising the BJP in the run-up to the 2014 Assembly election, the Mufti shrewdly forged an alliance with the BJP to respect the people's mandate as well as to push forward his own Peoples Democratic Party. Though his intent has been questioned by many, his commitment to the State was never been put under the scanner.