Whose babies are independents and smaller parties in Jammu and Kashmir? Battle for the independents has begun in Jammu and Kashmir after all the three major political parties claimed their support in the race to form the next government in Jammu and Kashmir. While BJP with 25 MLAs has claimed the support of five independents, the Congress with 12 and National Conference with 15 MLAs too have flaunted the support of two independents each.
There are only seven MLAs who either have won as independents or belong to the smaller parties. These include two MLAs of People's Conference led by former separatist Sajjad Lone, one each from CPIM and People's Democratic Front and three independents who have won from Langate, Udhampur and Zanaskar constituencies of Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh divisions respectively.
Even as major parties flaunt the support, these independents are playing safe and keeping cards close to their chests in an apparent bid to retain a hard bargaining power in the government formation.
"Let the bigger parties come forward to form the government. When they make their moves and we will then take the decision. Everyone is talking to us, but we have not yet decided anything. Let us see what formation takes shape and whether we are needed or not. Our options are open," Hakeem Mohammad Yasin, chairman of PDF, who won from Khan Sahab constituency of Budgam district, told dna.
Lone CPIM MLA from Kulgam constituency Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said they have not yet decided to support anybody in government formation. "We are in touch with some of our friends like Hakeem and Engineer Rasheed. But we have not reached to any decision so far. But there is feeling that there should be a government of secular formation," he told dna.
Architect of `Save Afzal Guru' resolution and president of Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Sheikh Abdul Rasheed aka Engineer Rasheed, who won from Langate, said he does not fit in the scheme of things as the formations can muster enough numbers without his support.
"Everyone has telephoned me. Some are congratulating and some are requesting for support. Almost every quarter has approached me. Whenever time comes I will take the decision that is best suited for Kashmiri people," Engineer Rasheed told dna.
Pawan Gupta, who won as independent from Udhampur, said he would take the decision after two days since he is busy in his constituency.
"I will see after two days how the situation develops. I am still an independent. I have not decided my future course of action. It will be decided when there is some offer. So far no body has approached me," Gupta told dna.
People's Conference led by Sajjad Lone is not committing anything, yet the reports suggest they are not averse to support BJP government.
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