KASHMIR MUFTI PKG
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Is Jammu and Kashmir headed for an era of coalitions?
Published on Sun, Dec 28, 2008 at 20:50, Updated on Sun, Dec 28, 2008 at 21:33 in India section
Tags: Omar Abdullah, National Conference , Srinagar
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Srinagar: This year’s fractured verdict for Jammu and Srinagar assembly polls is not very different from the one in 2002. However, this time, the National Conference could be forming the government with the help of the Congress. Meanwhile, the issue of Amarnath protests has definitely been the game-changer.
The National Conference (NC) emerged as the single largest party in the Jammu and Kashmir elections, sweeping Srinagar and doing well in north Kashmir but it also has to contend with its eroding influence in the state with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) proving tough competitors breaking the NC's stranglehold.
A confident NC chief Omar Abdullah said, "We will stake claim to form the government. We will approach the congress."
Meanwhile, the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti said, “We will try or else sit in the opposition (though this might have to be updated later).”
In third position, the Congress has emerged the kingmaker with the NC staking claim on the basis of this coalition which might not even need support from the independents.
Former Chief Minister from Congress Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "High command will decide which way to go.”
However, the biggest gainer in this election, the BJP with the Amarnath land transfer issue polarising the vote has taken the saffron party from just one seat last time to 15 this time, but it still remains a political untouchable and in opposition.
BJP, spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, "The BJP will not go with any party."
Now, it is down to who will be the chief minister. While Farooq has been sold as the CM candidate during the elections, it could very well be the son, Omar who is also called Indian Obama.
The era of coalitions is here to stay in Jammu and Kashmir, and whoever forms a government will have to walk a very tight rope. A crown of thorns waits for the next CM of J-K.
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