...
...
Next Story

BJP, RSS to discuss coalition logjam in J&K over Mehbooba’s demands

Members of the Jammu and Kashmir BJP unit will be meeting the RSS at its headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss ways to end the logjam with the PDP.

Updated on: Feb 10, 2016 12:54 PM IST
Hindustan Times | By , New Delhi
Prefer HTon Google
Advertisement

A delegation of BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit will meet the RSS brass at the Sangh’s headquarters in Jhandewalan on Wednesday to review the performance of the party in the state and also discuss the future of the coalition with the Peoples Democratic Party.

Following the death of Peoples Democratic Party founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in January, the BJP-PDP coalition has been on tenterhooks. The Mufti’s daughter, Mehbooba has taken over Sayeed’s charge, and has presented the BJP with a set of conditions. (PTI)
Following the death of Peoples Democratic Party founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in January, the BJP-PDP coalition has been on tenterhooks. The Mufti’s daughter, Mehbooba has taken over Sayeed’s charge, and has presented the BJP with a set of conditions. (PTI)

Senior BJP leaders including the state unit chief Sat Sharma, deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh, MP Avinash Khanna will meet RSS’ Krishna Gopal, Brig. Suchet Singh and Jammu and Kashmir in-charge Ramesh Papa to discuss the political logjam.

Read more: J-K govt formation: PDP chief Mehbooba hints at snapping ties with BJP

A senior RSS official said the meeting is a “routine” affair, but the matter is pertinent given the political uncertainty BJP faces in Jammu and Kashmir. Following the death of PDP’s founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, daughter Mehbooba took over as party head and state chief minister, throwing the coalition in a limbo.

Reports of differences within the BJP’s state unit over the government formation also surfaced. “There are some party colleagues who are not happy with the demands being made by Mehbooba Mufti. Their point of view will also be shared with the Sangh,” a BJP member said.

Read more: Mehbooba can’t keep J-K guessing on govt formation: Omar Abdullah

“It is not easy for the BJP cadre to agree to the PDP’s demand of initiating dialogue with separatists, revocation of AFSPA and withdrawal of troops. These issues will also be discussed at the review meeting with the Sangh,” the BJP member said.

Read more: Uncertainty looms over J-K govt formation as PDP, BJP pass buck

On Monday, BJP MP Arun Ram Meghwal met Mehbooba Mufti at her residence in Srinagar. Officially, Meghwal was said to have met the chief minister in his capacity as head of the Parliamentary House Committee, but sources said the PDP’s conditions also figured in the discussion.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Smriti Kak Ramachandran

Smriti covers an intersection of politics and governance. Having spent over a decade in journalism, she combines old fashioned leg work with modern story telling tools.

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.
Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe