The Bharatiya Janata Party has told chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed that it wants its coalition government with his People's Democratic Party (PDP) to last a full six years and that he should focus mainly on the issues of governance decided in the common-minimum-programme.
Sources told the Hindustan Times that BJP's national general secretary Ram Madhav called on Mufti late on Wednesday evening amid ongoing attack by political parties over the release of separatist Masarat Alam in the Valley.
Alam's release, ordered by the Mufti, has left the BJP red-faced with political groups questioning its coalition with the PDP.
"The CM was told about nationwide political reactions over the release of Alam. The CM was also told to take BJP leadership on board over any such decision in the future," said a senior BJP leader wishing not to be named.
However, he said Madhav told Mufti that BJP does not want to pull out of the government for now.
"We have divergent political perceptions and initial shocks were expected in the government. But the government will last its full term as both parties have got the mandate for effective governance. There is no question of withdrawing support," said the BJP leader.
Madhav, sources added, also held a meeting with his party's state unit and asked its leadership to play an assertive role in the government.
{{/usCountry}}Madhav, sources added, also held a meeting with his party's state unit and asked its leadership to play an assertive role in the government.
{{/usCountry}}The BJP has admitted that the decision to release Alam was taken in the haste.
Its spokesperson Sunil Sethi, however, said the cabinet meeting attended by ministers from both the parties was reflective of the coalition's commitment to governance.