Why saffron party may support Mehbooba despite reservations

Apart from ‘sentiments’, there are many reasons why the BJP may back Mehbooba Mufti despite her perceived soft stance towards separatists — a position which does not suit the saffron party.
Apparently, several state BJP leaders have expressed reservations on supporting her, one because of her lack of experience and two, the perceived stance.
According to party sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a relationship of mutual respect with her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who also enjoyed immense goodwill within the party. It so appears that the Chief Minister had conveyed his wish — that his mantle be passed on to Mehbooba —known to the BJP leaders much before he was hospitalised.
The key reason why the BJP may support Mehbooba is that the saffron party hardly has any option other than to continue with the arrangement while Mehbooba has the option to walk out and tie up with the Congress or even the National Conference, waiting on the sidelines.
Obviously, the BJP does not want to take this chance.
The party sources say this is the first time that the BJP tried an “out of the box” thinking — joining hands with a party as ideologically different as chalk and cheese —- for the sake of national interest. So, it wants to allow the arrangement to exhaust all chances. Moreover, if any walking out has to be done, it should be from Mehbooba’s side, they say. The BJP does not want to be seen playing a spoilsport till it becomes absolutely imminent.
Party sources say the sentiments have been conveyed to Mehbooba —- that to find support she must take forward the atmosphere of development and faith created by her father with the BJP.
“The BJP has made it clear to the PDP from Day One that the collaboration is for the national interest. The RSS also believes that the coalition must be given all chances and the arrangement must continue for the sake of national interest. The moment it stops happening, the BJP should walk out of it,” a source added.
The BJP leaders know that dealing with Mehbooba will be “different” from dealing with her father, who was known for a balanced approach towards difficult issues. What goes in favour of the BJP is that Mehbooba also has some latent dissent against her within her party. This may force her to keep the balance required to keep the top post and cordial relationship with the BJP-led Centre.