It looks Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coalition is intact and all the signals emanating may indicate an early settlement for the government formation in Jammu and Kashmir. But reality it appears is quite different. The way PDP Chief Mehabooba Mufti is vacillating on the issue at various platforms whether it is public rally or the party workers membership drives, the situation looks that stalemate is going to prevail for some more time. It appears Mehbooba is encountering strong internal opposition from some close party ranks for continuing the alliance with BJP. On the other hand asking Centre to take call in government formation in Jammu and Kashmir reflects the internal dissension and pressure being built up. The biggest jolt the party got was the demise of then Chief Minister and Patron of PDP Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. The BJP leaders today have become political orphans within their own region and the minuscule ones continue with their spade work of getting drains and lanes laid. Despite having a political majority and remained in government BJP in Jammu and Kashmir is unwanted. This is politics. Even if the party’s central leadership insist on keeping the coalition intact at whatever cost, the party will not be able to come up to peoples’ expectations. The flip-flop by PDP leaders and silence on the part of BJP has only worsened the situation with no immediate solution to the stagnant situation. Throughout these years there always remained a trust deficit and despite all confidence building measures the uncertainty today also looms large on the government’s fate. The State BJP leaders could not fathom the depth they were falling and were basking in their new found glory of power. It looks what Senior Mufti could do with élan, it would be difficult for Mehbooba to control the situation and come out of it with grace. It appears she is trying to place her party, PDP, for a mid-term elections, if the given present stalemate continues. In all terms if elections become a reality then PDP stands to gain on emotional plank whereas BJP would be left high and dry even in its home constituency.
