BJP Dumps PDP, Mehbooba Mufti Steps Down As J&K Chief Minister

BJP said its alliance with PDP had become “untenable”.

BJP ends alliance with PDP in J&K. Mehbooba Mufti steps down as CM

(Photo: PTI)

Video Editor: Mohd irshad Alam

In a surprising move, the BJP ended its three-year alliance with the PDP in Jammu and Kashmir on 19 June. Ahead of the move, BJP chief Amit Shah called for an urgent meeting of party ministers in the Jammu and Kashmir government, along with some other top leaders in the national capital.

Alliance Became Untenable: Ram Madhav

Addressing the media on 19 June, BJP leader Ram Madhav said:

Today, we have come to the conclusion thatit will be impossible for the BJP to continue the alliance with the PDP. The situation in the state is worrysome.There is a rise in terror activities in the state. After the killing of Shujjat Bukhari, there was noquestion of considering extending suspension of operations.If terrorists can walk into Srinagar and kill Shujaat Bukhariin broad daylight in a VIP area called press enclaveit is obvious we could ask for extending suspension of operations

BJP's Decision Came as a Surprise: PDP

PDP Spokesperson, Rafi Ahmad Mir, told ANI said that the break up between the PDP and the BJP has come as a surprise to the party. Hours after BJP announced its decision to end the alliance, Mehbooba Mufi submitted her resignation to governor NN Vohra.

After withdrawal of support from the BJP, I have submitted my resignation to the governor. PDP’s agenda is that we must initiate dialogue process with Pakistan and the people of the state. There can be no other policies in the state. There is no room for muscular policies in the state.

Mehbooba Mufti, Former J&K CM

And So it Has Come to Pass: Omar Abdullah

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah tweeted: “And so it has come to pass,” after BJP snapped their alliance with PDP in J&K.

We did not have the people’s mandate in 2014. We still don’t have the mandate. We will not form an alliance with any other party. No party has approached us. And we have not approached any party either. I have told the governor that since no party currently has the mandate to form the govt in the state, he has no  option but to impose governor’s rule in J&K. We want that at the earliest available opportunity, the people must be given a chance to decide on a future govt for themselves.

Omar Abdullah, Former J&K CM

No Question of An Alliance With PDP: Congress

Speaking to the media, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad ruled out an alliance with the PDP.

Whatever has happened is good. People of J&K will get some relief. They (BJP) have ruined Kashmir and have now pulled out, maximum number of civilian and army men died during these 3 years

Ghulam Nabi Azad, Congress Leader