PDP signals fresh engagement on ‘Agenda of Alliance’
Party meeting likely by weekend
Curtains seem to have fallen over the possibility of a government being in shape in the near future as the signals from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti are clear that a new set of terms need to be negotiated with BJP to continue the alliance.Though BJP is hiding its nervousness by downplaying the latest vibes from PDP, it is becoming clear that the two parties are not on course of getting on together as they were until January 7.
PDP, which holds key to government formation, having the highest number of MLAs have not spoken directly about the impending conditions to form a government with its immediate ally, but the indications are more than clear.
The party fielded its senior leader, Naeem Akhtar to send a message to BJP that the pitch was not same and had turned rough for them.
In an interview to NDTV, Akhtar was clear in saying that the stock taking of 10 months of the government was important.
He stressed upon the implementation of the ‘Agenda of Alliance’ agreed upon between the two sides before stitching the alliance in February last year.
“The Agenda of Alliance is a very sacred document for us but not like a scripture, which is kept on a shelf and looked at for blessings,” Akhtar said. “It has to be implemented.”
He said issues like return of power projects, smart cities (to Jammu as well as Srinagar), return of land occupied by armed forces, dealing with internal dimension of Jammu Kashmir were all part of the ‘Agenda of Alliance’ and could have been done.
“These are the areas of concern and J&K is a national concern that can’t be dealt so casually,” he said. “PDP has a vision for Jammu Kashmir and in coalition with BJP that was translated into a governance agenda but we have to assess how far have we gone and even BJP should be taking stock of how far have we gone.”
Going by his interview, one can easily fathom the sense that PDP was playing hard to BJP by stressing upon the implementation of the agenda, which is too long to be implemented in a short time.
Though BJP leaders in Delhi played down his statement saying it did not reflect the sentiments of either PDP or Mehbooba herself, the political grapevine is that it was a well-crafted move by the PDP president.
In fact, the signals about how Mehbooba would deal with the situation post the demise of her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed were not that blurred.
She undoubtedly had a close association with her father and was like his shadow but soon after the fourth day was over, her taking over would have been a natural follow up.
BJP too had stated that the party had no problem in transition under Mehbooba.
However mourning that too after four days does not belie courage a woman who would slip through the militant bastions in the thick of militancy and raid Army formations to get youth released.
She had herself stated, soon after Mufti’s death that strict religious edict is to be followed, which would mean three days mourning and on fourth day the bereaved are supposed to be back to routine.
However, the sources in the party say that “frustration” was brewing given the “ill treatment” meted out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government to Mufti Muhammad Sayeed in respect of “fulfilling his aspirations” vis-à-vis Jammu and Kashmir even as he drew flak for joining hands with the rightwing BJP.
Modi, who did not visit him during 14 days that he was admitted at AIIMS, completed the formality of showing solidarity by hurriedly visiting Technical Airport at New Delhi to lay a wreath on his body and did not visit the family in Srinagar.
In contrast, Congress President Sonia Gandhi visited AIIMS to see him, then rushed again when he was declared dead and also made it to Srinagar on the fourth day.
As far as Mehbooba herself is concerned, she is believed to have been against the alliance from day one but had to accept it since she would hardly challenge her father in taking a political decision.
Mufti would confine to his close friends that Mehbooba was not in favour of the alliance.
Sources said a significant “interaction” had been held between Mehbooba and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley when he came to see the late Mufti.
Those privy to the meeting said she literally confronted Jaitley and asked him why did New Delhi ditched her father especially on the relief to flood victims as Delhi was raising questions after questions on the issue.
“She was furious when she raised these issues with him,” a source said adding that Union Rural Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu was also accompanying Jaitley.
It is learnt that Mehbooba was pissed off over the manner her father was treated by the government and “in case she breaks up the alliance it would not be a surprise”.
She certainly must be looking at the issue of not proving her father wrong but a close associate of hers said, “It will still be a tribute to him in case she is able to save the party from further embarrassment.”
So, the fate of the alliance hangs in balance and unless BJP comes out clearly on the issues enlisted in the Agenda of Alliance, it looks difficult for both the parties to restore December 7 position.
Meanwhile, sources told that PDP president was likely to call the meeting of the leaders and legislators after the Fateh Khawani on Friday.
“Most likely the meeting will be called on Saturday or Sunday to take the final call on the issue,” a close aide of Mehbooba said.
