India
Sources in the BJP told MyNation this is a distinct possibility as talks are on between the interlocutors of the party ruling at the Centre, factions of the PDP and NC, but wrecking the local parties may create a tense environment in the Valley
Srinagar/New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir may get a government of a rainbow coalition. Of the BJP and the party of Sajjad Lone but not Lone alone. A faction of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and one of the National Conference (NC) may join the government.
This comes close on the heels of MyNation's report that BJP general secretary Ram Madhav and Lone met in the Valley a day after the election of mayor and deputy mayor of Srinagar Municipal Corporation to explore the possibility of forming a government in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sources in the BJP say that the formation of a coalition government of BJP, Lone's party Jammu Kashmir People's Conference (JKPC), and rebels from the PDP and NC is on the cards.
When contacted by MyNation, Ram Madhav refused to comment on the "speculation". However, another report in the media that says that Jammu and Kashmir's MLAs are now a "bored, listless and anxious" lot indicates that hardly any stakeholder in state politics wants the governor's rule to continue sine die.
Madhav, in fact, did not meet Lone alone. He had appointments with National Conference (NC) rebel and SMC mayor Junaid Mattoo, PDP rebel Imran Ansari, his uncle Abid Ansari and former MLC Yasir Rishi in Srinagar as well.
An alliance with Lone may prove useful for the BJP also during the Lok Sabha election expected to be held about six months later. The JKPC has a formidable presence, particularly in northern Kashmir. Either because of Kashmir's characteristic low voter turnout or due to Lone's support, the BJP is aiming at winning up to four out of six seats in the Valley.
Meanwhile, Madhav does not appear to be alone in the effort to cobble up an alliance for a new government in the state. Several other BJP leaders have camped in the Valley for negotiations with the factions of National Conference and People's Democratic Party.
A source in the PDP said that the BJP would be in a position to form the next government in Jammu and Kashmir only if it could engineer a split not only in his party but also in the National Congress. And if that happens, it will lead to a "sh*tstorm", the source said.
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