December 27, 2024 04:39 pm (IST)
Mehbooba Mufti resigns after BJP pullout, Kashmir in a fresh state of uncertainty
Srinagar/New Delhi, Jun 19 (IBNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday resigned after the BJP broke its alliance with her People's Democratic Party (PDP) and pulled out of the ruling coalition, media reports said.
Mufti has called a meeting of her party ministers. She is also expected to speak to the media at 5 pm.
Meanwhile, former Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah met Governor N N Vora.
Earlier, the BJP withdrew from its alliance with the People's Democratic Party (PDP), headed by Mufti.
BJP's Kashmir In-charge Ram Madhav told media that "it has become untenable for the BJP to continue with PDP."
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Amit Shah had earlier summoned BJP ministers from the state of Jammu and Kashmir to discuss the end of Ramzan ceasefire, that upset the saffron outfit's ally PDP, according to media reports.
The rift between the two parties- which run the Jammu and Kashmir government- became prominent once again after the Centre decided to resume the anti-terror operations.
The PDP still maintains that the central government must reach out to the separatists to resolve the crisis in the valley.
In New Delhi, BJP's national general secretary Ram Madhav said the party's decision was taken as the "situation worsened in the state" and the relationship with the PDP became "untenable".
Speaking at a press conference at the party headquarters, Madhav said the decision to withdraw support was taken as “it became untenable for BJP to continue in alliance with PDP in Jammu & Kashmir”.
Reacting to the development, PDP spokesperson Rafi Ahmed Mir said, " We tried our best to run the govt with BJP. This had to happen. This is a surprise to us because we did not have any indication about their decision."
“Keeping in mind the larger interest of India's security and integrity, the fact is that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and in order to control the situation prevailing in the state, we have decided that the rein of power in the state be handed over to the Governor,” Madhav said at a press conference.
Madhav said, “terrorism, violence and radicalisation has increased in the Valley”.
Speaking to the media, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, “Whatever has happened is good. People of J&K will get some relief. They (BJP) ruined Kashmir and have now pulled out, a maximum number of civilian and army men died during these three years.”
"BJP making excuses now... they are covering up corruption. They cannot shy away from the total disaster on their part," Azad added.
Asked about if Congress would support the PDP to form the government, Azad said, “That question does not arise (on forming an alliance with PDP).”
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