According to highly-placed party sources, the BJP central leadership has conveyed to the PDP top brass that remaining in power in the state is not a priority for the party and that it will not allow any further deviation from the common minimum programme set by the two parties after days of mutual discussions.
Dashing to Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Nirmal Singh met party chief Amit Shah at the latter's residence and apprised him of the situation in the state in the wake of the release of the separatist leader on Saturday last.
"BJP's central leadership has given an ultimatum to the PDP top brass that it will not tolerate any further compromise on national security with the unilateral release of Masarat Alam," the sources said.
They said the BJP top brass is angry over Masarat's "unilateral" release by PDP without consultations with BJP and warned that it will not allow any more such releases of separatists or militants.
The BJP central leadership has conveyed to the PDP that "remaining in power is not a priority for BJP and it will not allow any laxity on the issue of national security and in dealing with separatists and militants", the sources said.
The party also said it had a "zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and separatism" and strongly opposed Alam's release.
As Opposition stepped up the heat, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also made it clear that his government's top priority is national security and not the continuance of government in the state.
BJP is sharing power with PDP in Jammu and Kashmir after the December assembly elections threw a fractured verdict.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
