J&K: Will Congress, Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah join hands?

With an aim to keep BJP out of power in Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Omar Abdullah-led National Conference (NC) and Congress (INC) may form a coalition.

According to a report published in NDTV, Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah may team up to form a coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir along with the Congress. Quoting the sources, NDTV said that talks between the three parties are at an advanced stage and the Congress leadership has approved a grand alliance with PDP and NC. “An announcement is expected today or tomorrow,” sources added.

Meanwhile, BJP dismissed it as a desperate attempt by the parties to keep their flock together. “Their attempts to come together will not succeed,” said a BJP leader.

Earlier on Tuesday, PDP leader Muzaffar Baig threatened to quit the party and hinted at a tie-up with Sajjad Lone. However, he did not rule out forming a government saying that there were people within his party who want an elected government.

On reports of the PDP and National Conference joining hands, Baig said, “It will be an alliance of one religion. Jammu would not like it, Ladakh will not remain part of the state. This will lead to trifurcation of the state.”

It is to be noted that the PDP has 28 legislators in the 87-member Jammu and Kashmir assembly, Congress has 12 and the National Conference has 15, which places them well ahead of the majority mark of 44.

Also Read: J&K: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti warns BJP of ‘dividing people’