Uncertainty over the formation of new Government following the death of Mufti Muhammad Sayeed continued even as the mourning period culminated with the fateh khwani ceremony on the fourth day following his demise.
Thousands of people attended the ceremony at Dara Shikoh Park in Bijbehara of south Kashmir at Mufti’s grave and his official residence at Gupkar Road in Srinagar. Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari were among the most prominent political figures who offered their condolences to Mufti’s daughter and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti.
later in the evening, Mehbooba Mufti held a meeting with party legislators to discuss the political issues in the wake of Sayeed’s demise and promulgation of Governor’s Rule in the State. Mehbooba has delayed taking oath as Chief Minister even as the coalition partner BJP has not raised any objections to her elevation to the top seat. Even as the delay in formation of new Government was linked to Mehbooba’s grief as she refused to take oath until the mourning period was over, some political observers began reading too much in the holdup. The PDP has not officially indicated any timeframe for the formation of new Government. A senior party leader on condition of anonymity said that the delay can go beyond the fourth day ritual.
Sources said some influential voices both in BJP and PDP are insisting to revisit the Agenda of Alliance framed before the formation of Mufti Sayeed-led coalition in March last. A BJP legislator told The Pioneer that situation was different at this time and requires some fine-tuning. He said the call for rotation of Chief Minister is not misplaced when senior leader Mufti Muhammad Sayeed is no more to lead the coalition for rest of the period.
On the other hand, some PDP leaders insist that it was the most opportune time for the party to quit the alliance with BJP. “During the past 10 months, the BJP has not allowed the PDP to adhere to its agenda. Instead they created problems in perpetuating Hindutva agenda on issues like beef ban”, he said.
However, political observers say that Mehbooba can ill-afford to take cudgels with Narendra Modi-led Central Government and ignore the massive mandate Jammu region gave to the BJP. “If she (Mehbooba) runs away from the coalition, she will be proving her father’s decision wrong. Can she afford to do it”, asked journalist Haroon Rashid.
The arrival of Congress president Sonia Gandhi to pay homage to Mufti and host of Congress leaders’ attempt to be more conspicuous since Mufti Sayeed’s demise also created ripples in political circles. Ga-ndhi arrived here on Sunday aft-ernoon and straightway drove to Mufti’s official residence to pay homage. She personally conve-yed condolences to each be-reaved member of the family.
Gandhi was accompanied by former J&K CM and leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Union Minister Ambika Soni and State party leaders. Gandhi described the death of Mufti as huge loss for the country.
On the other hand, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari accompanied by BJP State president Sat Sharma and former Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh also called upon Mehbooba. Gadkari said entire country stood in solidarity with the bereaved family and Union Government will try to fulfil the dream of the late Chief Minister.