Omar Abdullah, leader of National Conference party, is currently holding talks with Jammu & Kashmir governor N N Vohra, leading to speculation that a ‘mahagatbandhan’ or grand alliance of non-BJP parties could be on the cards.
The PDP government in the state can continue to rule if the National Conference lends its support. Traditionally, National Conference has always allied with the Congress Party, and never with the PDP.
There has, however, been no information about what Omar Abdullah is discussing with the governor.
UPDATE: Abdullah later clarified he had sought fresh elections in the state.
The meeting is taking place within less than an hour of the BJP pulling out of the ruling alliance, plunging the government led by PDP into minority.
The BJP, on its part, has said it wanted the imposition of central, or President’s rule in the state to take care of the deteriorating law and order situation.
In a press conference to announce the decision to withdraw from the alliance, BJP leader Ram Madhav said the present scenario in the state “cannot be handled by the present government at this juncture”.
“It is time matters are taken over by the governor and we can continue the political process,” Madhav said.