In new twist, BJP approaches NC patron Farooq through ‘close confidantes’ Srinagar: The BharatiyaJanata Party might have send out feelers that its prospective alliance partner in Jammu and Kashmir is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but it hasn’t closed the National Conference option for now, Greater Kashmir has learnt. Informed sources disclosed that a section of BJP leadership—believed to be “hardliners” in the party —have approached two “close confidantes” of National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah for a possible tie-up with the J&K’s regional party. These BJP leaders, they said, have voiced their opinion that they “shall be more comfortable with National Conference than the Peoples Democratic Party in running the affairs of the state.” “These confidantes are two close friends of Farooq Abdullah and these BJP leaders have approached them to convince the NC president on allying with their party (BJP),” they said. According to sources, this section of BJP leadership also believes that they have worked with NC in the past when NDA ruled the Centre and therefore “we must go with the trusted party.” The recent election results threw up a hung house with PDP emerging as single-largest party by bagging 28 seats in the 87-member Assembly, followed by BJP which secured 25 seats in Jammu province. The National Conference got 15 seats while seven seats went into the kitty of other parties and independents. While the BharatiyaJanata Party—which is desperately trying to be a part of the new government in Jammu and Kashmir—has send out feelers that its prospective alliance partner is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), it is “also exploring the National Conference option” wherein it would require support of some independents to form the government. The PDP has itself warmed up to the BJP, with its president Mehbooba Mufti recently asserting that “we have support of 55 members to form the government, but mandate needs to be respected.” Pertinently, SajadLone’s Peoples Conference has already voiced its opinion in favour of an alliance where BJP is a partner. “In case of an arrangement with NC, we shall take support of PC’s two seats (Handwara and Kupwara) and easily manage two other seats to get the majority. Numbers are not an issue,” a BJP leader told Greater Kashmir. “We have already made our stand clear that we are in the process of forming a stable government which shall address the aspirations of all three regions of the State. And in that direction, all options are being explored.” Earlier, the National Conference working president and outgoing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told a New Delhi based newspaper that NC was “ready to do business with BJP.” “I am not knocking on their door, but if they knock on mine, it would be foolish of me not to talk to them. If the BJP is not untouchable for the PDP, why is it untouchable for us,” he had said. Omar’s remarks however, according to NC insiders, drew stiff opposition from a number of party leaders who openly threatened to revolt if he allies with the right-wing party. “Omar had to discard the idea at one point in time. Thereafter, some BJP leaders thought it appropriate to approach Dr Farooq Abdullah, through some of his close acquaintances, to further push for the possible alliance with NC,” sources, privy to the development, said. “The acquaintances are shortly getting in touch with Farooq on the issue and get back to the BJP leaders.” Pertinently, Farooq is in London for the past many months. He recently underwent a successful kidney transplant there. At the moment, Omar is also in London to see his parents.
Posted on: Sat, 03 Jan 2015 04:40:44 +0000