Jammu, June 19:  In a major blow to the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Jammu and Kashmir, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday ended its alliance with Mufti-led PDP government sighting developmental issues, terrorism and radicalisation in the Valley. The decision comes on the day the BJP ministers reached Delhi to meet party president Amit Shah.

In a stern approach against separatists and militancy in Jammu and Kashmir,  BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav on Tuesday said to bring control over the situation prevailing in the state, the BJP has decided that the reigns of power in the state be handed over to the Governor.

Madhav said terrorism, violence and radicalisation have risen in the Valley and fundamental rights of the citizens are in danger. Adding further, Madhav said people in the Valley feel discriminated and hence, it is untenable for BJP to continue in alliance with PDP in Jammu & Kashmir.  “After taking stock of the situation in the state, the central government and central party is of the view that we should leave the government,” he said.

What happens next: 

Scenario 1: 

If the Congress and 4 Independent candidates back Mehbooba Mufti, the Mufti government will survive in Jammu and Kashmir.

Scenario 2: 

If Congress and Omar Abdullah's National Conference (NC) extend outside support, the Mufti government in the state will survive as a minority government.

Scenario 3: 

If there is no political realignment possible, the Governor has the right to dissolve the house and fresh polls will be initiated in the state.  It must be noted that if need be, elections will be held in less than a years time. The Jammu and Kashmir assembly comprises of total 87 seats. To attain a majority in the house, a party will need to have 44 seats.

In wake of the ongoing turmoil in the state, Mehbooba Mufti and other PDP leaders resigned. "We can only put our heads together & discuss in the party meeting at 4 pm", Rafi Ahmad Mir, PDP Spokesperson said.

Madhav said the government did everything for the Valley. "We have taken a decision, it is untenable for BJP to continue in alliance with PDP in Jammu & Kashmir, hence we are withdrawing", he added.  He said after the killing of Shujaat Bukhari in broad daylight in Srinagar, there was no question of suspending anti-terror operations.

Rafi Ahmad Mir, PDP Spokesperson said BJP's decision has come as a surprise for PDP. "We tried our best to run the government with BJP. This had to happen. This is a surprise for us because we did not have any indication about their decision", he added.

"We've tried to put a full-stop to the ceasefire violations by Pak. PDP has not been successful in fulfilling its promises. Our leaders have been facing a lot of difficulties from PDP in developmental works in Jammu & Ladakh", Mir added.

Madhav said the BJP has now respected the mandate of the people. "If we would not have formed govt at that time, Governor's rule or Presidential rule would have been imposed in the Valley. We had an alliance with them just for the mandate that was given by people", the BJP national general secretary said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 19, 2018 03:01 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).