BJP, PDP likely to form govt in Jammu and Kashmir soon: Reports

Srinagar: Political grapevine is rife with speculations about the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) forming alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party in Jammu and Kashmir later this month.

The BJP and PDP have reached a broad understanding to form government in J&K, reports said on Wednesday.

Reports indicate both the parties are working to evolve a seat sharing formula and are expected to reach a consensus soon.

Also, J&K BJP legislators are scheduled to meet in Jammu today. Senior party leader Ram Madhav will be a part of the meeting.

The latest development comes after PDP patron and former chief minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed last week said "track two" dialogue with BJP is in progress.

Contending that he wants to bring the state out of a “quagmire”, the former Chief Minister told his party workers, “Track-II dialogue with BJP over the formation of government in Jammu and Kashmir is in progress.”

If I feel that my shaking hands (with BJP) will benefit the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the country, I am ready to do that,” Sayeed said.

However, he also said, “Jammu and Kashmir is a Muslim majority state and the Centre must respect the mandate of the people in the state.”

He said the state was going through a critical phase and people need a strong and stable government that can deliver on the promises made to them during the Assembly elections.

The PDP has 28 and the BJP 25 seats in the state assembly. The National Conference won 15 seats and its former ally, the Congress 12. Seven seats went to Independents and smaller parties.