Srinagar: Political grapevine is ripe with the rumours that government formation was on cards and that is genuinely so. Top Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad , senior PDP leader Altaf Bukhari have openly admitted that a process on government formation was on as modalities were being discussed with National Conference on board for the support.
” This all is done to counter the Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone’s plan to form third front along with Ansari brothers and PDPs old guard Muzaffar Beig who only yesterday revealed his lovelast for the PC’s Sajad,” said a top source.
Talking to reporters in Srinagar, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad admitted deliberations were on over government formation. “We are discussing and things will be clear soon,” he said.
PDP has 28 seats, Congress 14 and NC 17 respectively. However, if two Ansari brothers and four other rebels quit, PDP will be left with 22 seats.
Talking to Kashmir in-depth senior PDP leader Altaf Bukhari also confirmed that grand alliance was on cards. ” Things will be clear in a day or two,” he said.
What remains to be seen is who will be the chief ministerial candidate. Sources said that former chief minister Omar Abdulkah has declined and Mehbooba too is not willing. ” In that case, Altaf Bukhari is a potential candidate for CMs post,” sources said.
What is also important is that how Governor SP Malik will deal with the new grand alliance— whether he would dissolve the assembly or keep it intact.
