BJP breaks alliance with PDP in J&K, Mehbooba resigns

SRINAGAR: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has pulled out of the alliance with People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. Mehbooba Mufti and her team of ministers have sent in their resignations to the governor. The state is heading for a President's rule. 

Confirming the development at a press conference, BJP leader Ram Madhav said, "We have taken a decision, it is untenable for BJP to continue in alliance with PDP in Jammu & Kashmir, hence we are withdrawing."

The move comes after the Centre revoked the month-long suspension of a ceasefire in the state. 

Citing the assassination of Rising Kashmir's editor Shujaat Bukhari's, Madhav said, "Terrorism, violence and radicalisation have risen and fundamental rights of the citizens are under danger in the Valley. Shujaat Bukhari killing is an example."

The veteran journalist was shot dead in Srinagar by unidentified assailants last week. 

The step was taken keeping in mind the larger interest of India's security and integrity and that J&K is an integral part of India, said Madhav.

"In order to bring control over the situation prevailing in the state we have decided that the reigns of power in the state be handed over to the Governor.

"Even if Governor rule is imposed in the Jammu & Kashmir, our efforts to fight terrorism will continue.

"We had to respect the mandate of the people. If we would not have formed govt at that time, Governor's rule or Presidential rule would have been imposed in the Valley. We had an alliance with them just for the mandate that was given by people," said Madhav.

Earlier today, BJP president Amit Shah met party legislators from Jammu and Kashmir and state unit leaders at the party headquarters in Delhi on Tuesday. There were reports that PDP was reportedly unhappy with the Centre's decision to revoke the month-long suspension of the ceasefire which was in force during the holy month of Ramzan.

In the current Assembly, the BJP has 25 MLAs and the PDP 28 MLAs. The majority mark is 45.