A day after electorate in Jammu & Kashmir threw a hung verdict, the backdoor consultations continued in summer capital Srinagar on Wednesday but the political leaders chose to remain tightlipped on their deliberations and options.
BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav arrived in Jammu to hold secret consultations and exhibit seriousness of his party for the Government formation. He met National Conference working president Omar Abdullah after the latter flew into Jammu from Srinagar to tender his resignation as Chief Minister. On the other hand, JKPCC president Saifuddin Soz spoke to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Muhammad Sayeed to discuss matters related to the Government formation.
“Ram Madhav's arrival in Srinagar is significant and shows his party's desire to lead the coalition in Jammu & Kashmir or be part of the new dispensation,” said a senior journalist. However, it is the toughest decision for the PDP or the NC to align with the BJP. Both parties have strong base in Kashmir and they have got the vote primarily to keep the BJP out of power,” he said.
No BJP leader was available to comment on Madhav's engagements. Sources said that he would frequent Srinagar and Jammu in coming days to hold further discussions.
Meanwhile, PDP patron Mufti Sayeed while welcoming NDA Government's decision to confer Bharat Ratna on former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee underscored his contributions in building peace constituency in Jammu & Kashmir and the region. Mufti referred to Vajpayee's peace initiatives with Pakistan and within J&K.
“The political sagacity, maturity and vision of Vajpayee and extension of friendship to Pakistan in the aftermath of the Parliament attack and the ceasefire announced by him are some of the historic confidence building measures which dawned a new era of peace and tranquillity in the State and the region,” Mufti said.
“It is a matter of great satisfaction for me personally as having worked with Vajpayee, I know how he responded positively and effectively to the great yearning for peace and democratic spirit in Jammu & Kashmir,” Mufti said.
Political observers say that Mufti's praise for Vajpayee is an indication that he would not shy away in engaging with the BJP if the relationship between the two parties is based on the principles laid by Vajpayee. Sayeed referred to Vajpayee's assertion that Kashmir issue will be resolved within the ambit of humanity and his extension of hand of friendship to Pakistan.
He expressed hope that the Government headed by Narendra Modi will pursue the policies of Vajpayee on Jammu & Kashmir as a tribute to the great politician and statesman.
But, Mufti also received a call from Soz whose single dissent vote in 1998 resulted in fall of 13-day Vajpayee Government. Soz was then MP of the National Conference, an ally of NDA. He faced expulsion from the party but was embraced by the Congress and quickly rose up ranks to become the JKPCC chief.
Soz confirmed that he spoke to Mufti to discuss matters related to the Government formation. Describing Mufti as “sound and seasoned politician” Soz said that his party was lacking numbers to form the Government by seeking outside support. “But we have expressed our willingness to support a secular Government. Mufti Muhammad Sayeed has to take the initiative”, he said.
“Being a seasoned politician, Mufti sahib will give no room to the BJP to form Government in the State”, he said hoping the situation would be clear in a few days.
Meanwhile, an independent legislator Hakim Muhammad Yasin, who won Khansahib constituency of Central Kashmir third time in a row, announced to support BJP for the Government formation. A local news agency quoted Yasin as saying that he was in touch with the BJP leadership to support a strong Government formation at an earliest. “The strong Government on ground is needed as it would be able to deliver its promises made to the people of the State during polls”, he said. Interestingly, the Congress had not fielded its candidates against Yasin in the elections.
“I am in touch with the BJP leadership and have agreed to support the party for the formation of the Government in J&K,” Yasin conformed.