Srinagar, November 21: The People's Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday wrote to Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik staking claim to form a government in the state. In its letter, the PDP claimed to have the support of 56 MLAs which include legislators from the National Conference (NC) and the Congress. PDP leader Altaf Bukhari is likely to be the chief minister.

In the 87-member Jammu and Kashmir assembly, the PDP has 28 MLAs. The National Conference and the Congress have 15 and 12 legislators respectively. If the National Congress and the Congress support the PDP, which is almost final, the coalition will have the backing of 55 MLAs, which brings them to way above the halfway mark of 44. The BJP has 25 MLAs in the assembly.

"My leadership has confirmed it to us that the three parties (Congress, PDP and NC) have agreed to make a coalition to defend the special identity of the state politically and legally. Very soon, you will get good news," Altaf Bukhari told news agency ANI. A popular government headed by the PDP's Mehbooba Mufti fell when its partner BJP withdrew support from the ruling coalition on June 16.

There have been reports that behind the scene efforts were underway to prop up a government headed by Sajjad Lone’s People Conference, which has only two MLAs but which would be banking on support by the 25 MLAs of BJP. However, this alliance would fall short of the required majority of 44. Lone has claimed to have the support of 25 rebel PDP MLAs.

The Mahagathbandhan of three parties envisages a coalition between PDP and Congress, backed from outside by the National Conference. The state is currently under governor’s rule which cannot be extended after it completes its six-month period on December 19. It is proposed to impose President’s rule thereafter but the 87-member assembly is not being dissolved, according to Governor Satyapal Mallik.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 21, 2018 08:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).