Saleem Pandit   

PDP legislator Abdul Majeed Padder on Saturday claimed that 18 of the 28 MLAs from his party were ready to join hands with the BJP for the possible formation of a new government in J&K, reports Saleem Pandit.

The claim came amid strong indications that the PDP dissidents had sent feelers to the BJP.

“When my leader, late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, could go for an alliance with the BJP, why can’t we form the government with the party,” Padder said, in marked defiance of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s public warning that any attempt to break her party would give a fillip to terrorism.

Padder’s claim came among strong indications that the PDP dissidents had sent feelers to BJP. Sources in the BJP confirmed the overture, but maintained they were not interested in having another stint in Srinagar. “We feel a spell of governor’s rule is necessary and that a coalition which is hastily assembled cannot guarantee stability”, said a BJP functionary, who is familiar with the developments. He, however, confirmed that PDP MLAs who are leading the move to form a fresh government, have reached the critical mass where they can defy Mehbooba without attracting disqualification punishment under the anti-defection act.

Courtesy: times Group: 15072018