Mehbooba-Modi meeting paves way for BJP-PDP govt

The two month long uncertainty has helped both Mehbooba as well as the BJP to consolidate their positions in Kashmir and Jammu, respectively

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti termed her Tuesday morning meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi “very positive”, indicating that a PDP-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir led by her was likely to be put in place in a few days.

Senior BJP leaders held a meeting with PDP leaders to come up with a face-saver that could help both parties, but particularly Mehbooba to stake a claim to form a government. Mehbooba called on the Prime Minister at his residence and the meeting lasted 15 minutes. She said the meeting was “good” in addressing issues of the people of the state and that she was “very satisfied”.

The meeting also brings to an end uncertainty over the alliance after the death of Mufti Mohammed Sayeed on January 7. Mehbooba had demanded that the Centre hand over power projects to the state, enhance relief to flood victims and vacate land held by the army.

Mehbooba announced the party’s future course of action would be announced at the PDP legislature party meeting this Thursday.

To a question whether the stalemate had ended, she said, “When you meet the Prime Minister of the country, naturally the solution to the problems faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir is clearer.”

A BJP source said a coalition government could be in place within a week and said the parties were still dicussing some demands.

Mehbooba will return to Srinagar on Thursday and brief her party legislators.