Governor’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is now under President’s rule, with the BJP and PDP yet to formalise their decision on the state’s new chief minister.

Jammu and Kashmir has been put under Governor’s Rule for the seventh time since Independence and, ironically, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was an important player on all the occasions which led to the imposition of Central rule in the state.

With Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) keeping cards close to its chest over the formation of new government in Jammu and Kashmir, alliance partner BJP on Monday accused the Congress of luring the PDP to grab the power. “There will be no changes in the alliance of the PDP and BJP”, he said.

Sayeed died in a Delhi hospital on 7 January following multiple organ failure.

The visit of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and other senior leaders to Ms Mufti’s residence yesterday had fueled speculation that moves might be afoot for weaning the PDP away from BJP to form an alternative government.

Mehbooba has invited PDP leaders and party legislators to dinner on Sunday at her family residence on Gupkar Road in Srinagar to express gratitude for the support during their bereavement, a PDP leader. Omar, the working president of PDP’s arch-rival National Conference (NC), said Mehbooba was a grief-stricken daughter who is not ready to take over as the chief minister yet.

Senior PDP leader and former Education Minister Naeem Akhtar also dismissed suggestions about any conditions set by either his party or the BJP for forming the new government.

While Sonia Gandhi did not talk to reporters, Azad said they had “come only for condolences”. “There was no political agenda involved, you should ask Mehboobaji about the political developments in the state”, Ghulam Nabi Azad said after the meeting.

As she emerges from the deep shock of losing her father, mentor and friend, Mehbooba Mufti is slowly reconciling to the hard realities of political life.

Earlier on Sunday, congregational prayers were held at Sayeed’s grave in Bijbehara town of Anantnag district. Deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh had also rubbished rumours of PDP setting tough conditions for the BJP if they want to continue the alliance in the state.

She was with Ms. Mufti for about 20 minutes and their interaction promptly gave rise to speculation about the political significance of their meeting. The mourning period ended today.