Jammu, Feb 10: A significant political development is expected in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) as sources reveal that National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah has been in Delhi for the past four days, engaging in discussions with the top leadership of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
All is not well within the ruling coalition of the National Conference and the Congress, which formed the government in J&K in October last year. Tensions between the two allies have surfaced repeatedly, with both parties issuing conflicting statements.
Due to these differences, the Congress has yet to formally join the NC-led government, despite three ministerial positions remaining vacant. With the Budget session approaching, the continued delay in cabinet expansion signals that Congress is unlikely to become part of the government.
Highly placed sources indicate that the NC is adamant about fulfilling key promises from its election manifesto, particularly the restoration of statehood for J&K. This has reportedly prompted Dr Farooq Abdullah to engage in talks with BJP leaders in Delhi.
Sources further reveal that Dr Farooq has paved the way for a meeting between Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In the coming days, CM Omar is also expected to hold discussions with other senior BJP leaders and Union ministers.
“There is a strong possibility that NC may move closer to the BJP in the larger interest of J&K,” sources said, hinting at realignment in the region’s political landscape.
