BJP president Amit Shah (L) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (File)

SRINAGAR: PDP MLA Abdul Majeed Padder on Saturday added to the speculation about the possible formation of a new government with BJP ’s support, saying 18 of 28 PDP MLAs were ready to join hands with the saffron party and hinted that they had reached out to it.

“When my leader late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed could go for an alliance with BJP, why can’t we form government with BJP,” Padder said in defiance of former CM Mehbooba Mufti’s public warning that any attempt to break her party would give a fillip to terrorism.

PDP MLAs have been increasingly critical of Mehbooba, with four of them going public . But Padder’s statement is the first time someone has publicly pitched for partnering with BJP. Padder’s claim came among strong indications that the PDP dissidents had sent feelers to BJP, which BJP sources confirmed.

The magic mark to form a government in the 87-member House is 44. If — as claimed by Padder — 18 PDP MLAs back BJP, which has 25 legislators, the alliance will be just one short. However, Peoples Conference, which has two MLAs, is expected to back the alliance

Padder’s claim came among strong indications that PDP dissidents had sent feelers to BJP. Sources in BJP confirmed the overture, but maintained that they were not interested in having another stint in Srinagar. “We feel that a spell of governor’s rule is necessary and that a coalition which is hastily assembled cannot guarantee stability”, said a senior BJP functionary who is familiar with the goings on.

He, however, confirmed that PDP MLAs who are leading the move to form a fresh government have reached the critical mass where they can defy Mehbooba without attracting disqualification punishment under the anti-defection act. PDP MLAs have been critical of Mehbooba, with four of them publicly venting their frustration with her. But Padder’s statement marked the first time when some one had publicly pitched for partnering BJP for bringing in a new regime: an interesting twist considering that late Mufti Mohd Sayeed’s decision to form a coalition with the saffron party is said to have affected PDP’s standing in its stronghold of south Kashmir.

PDP has maintained that dissidents are a minority and that there is no challenge to Mehbooba’s leadership. However, the gathering discontent is being recognised as a threat and is likely to lead to massive changes in the organisation so that the revolt could be nipped. Mehbooba has already held discussions with senior leaders and is likely to announce important changes, said a source.

He said that senior leader and PDP MP from Baramulla, Muzaffar Hussain Baig, is likely to be nominated as the party patron. Similarly, Muhammad Dilawar Mir and Abdul Rehman Veeri will also be given party responsibilities. MLA , Rafiabad in Baramulla Yawar Mir will be projected as youth leader in the party, they said.

