Reviving his efforts for a PDP-led Government in “the larger interest of the people of the State,” former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday shot off a letter to Governor NN Vohra, offering his party’s formal support to the People’s Democratic Party for the formation of the next Government in the State.
The decision was taken by the National Conference chief a day after chairing the core group meeting of the party in Srinagar.
Reacting to the new political twist, PDP spokesperson Naeem Akhtar said the party will take note of the latest development in an appropriate forum. “We will discuss this development in an appropriate party forum and respond after deliberations,” he said.
Till now, both the mainstream parties in the Valley were playing mind games over the issue of Government formation after the electorate handed over a fractured mandate in the recent Assembly polls.
PDP emerged largest political party, winning 28 seats, while BJP won 25, and National Conference (NC) 15 and Congress got just 12 seats.
Soon after the declaration of poll results NC had ‘verbally’ offered its support to the PDP.
“looks like PDP is playing mind games, with the BJP leaking about a letter of NC support, that doesn’t exist. Only a verbal offer was conveyed”, Omar had tweeted on December 26 after news reports claimed that NC was ready to support PDP.
In a statement, issued by the NC spokesman on Tuesday, “Omar urged Governor NN Vohra to consult the party leadership before taking any final decision regarding the future of the present Assembly and its viability in the formation of a Government”.
Omar’s close aide and party’s provincial president (Jammu province), DS Rana delivered the letter in the office of Governor on Tuesday, triggering fresh round of speculations.