Cong’s Azad Counters Mehbooba, Says No Final Decision On Alliance

Mehbooba claimed that she was backed by the National Conference and the Congress with 15 and 12 legislators.

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly was abruptly dissolved by the Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday, 21 November night, hours after the PDP staked claim to form a government with the backing of rival National Conference and the Congress.

However, while PDP’s Mehbooha Mufti claimed that she had the support of the Congress, party leader and former J&K CM Ghulam Nabi Azad said that “no final decision” had been taken on the alliance.

Commenting on the political developments in Jammu and Kashmir, Azad told ANI:

“I said this afternoon also that it’s a suggestion and no final decision has been taken yet (on the PDP-NC-Congress alliance). BJP dissolved the Assembly even though only a proposal was made.”

Speaking to IANS, he even claimed that National Conference was also “not interested” in forming the new government.

We were not interested in forming the new government, nor was the National Conference. We had not given any support to the Peoples Democratic Party. It was only an idea which was floated by some people and it was at initial stage of discussion.

Ghulam Nabi Azad to IANS

"There should be elections as soon as possible. We don't want a prolonged President's rule in the state. Of course, it may take two-three months. But there should be fresh elections now at the earliest," Azad told the news agency

Mehbooba Mufti reportedly wrote to governor that her party, which has 29 MLAs, backed by the National Conference and the Congress with 15 and 12 legislators respectively intended to stake claim for formation of the government.

The collective strength of the three parties was 56, well above the required number of 44 for a majority in the 87-member assembly, Mehbooba said.

(With inputs from IANS, ANI and PTI)