As widely expected  electorate of Jammu and Kashmir has thrown up a hung assembly. PDP is the single largest party closely followed by BJP but the Muftis hold key to forming next government in the state. 

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The choice in front of the party is simple. It can either go with BJP or with Congress. If it was any other state other than Jammu and Kashmir, the choice would have been a no-brainer for PDP. 

With a willing junior ally in Congress, the party can easily form the government. Congress and PDP have partnered to form government in Jammu and Kashmir in the past,  and the same template can be used by them again. It will be a relatively hassle-free government as Congress facing rout in most of the states in India will be keen to be in the vicinity of power in one of the most key states of the country. Willing independents can always be kept under fold  by giving them ministerial post. Thus even if PDP forms a minority government it is likely to be relatively stable.

On the other hand, PDP tying up with BJP is rife with potential hiccups. Firstly, it will be a partnership of near equals with both parties likely to end up with  similar number of seats. The entire arrangement may involve shared leadership. Almost surely there will be a carefully vetted common minimum programme since both parties have diametrically different stands in thorny issues like article 370, AFSPA etc. Also, with fringe elements directly or indirectly related to Sangh Parivaar  hell bent on pursuing their own agenda, it may get difficult for PDP to maintain a stable relationship with BJP.

Despite best effort the saffron party has failed to  make any dent in the Kashmir valley drawing a blank, whereas PDP has done extremely well there even breaching NC's traditional fortress in Srinagar.Those Kashmiri voters who have  changed their allegiance to PDP will surely feel let down  if the party finally hooks up with BJP.

But still many political analysts believe PDP is likely to tie up with BJP. This is mainly because Jammu and Kashmir is a unique state, where it is very important that the state and centre are on the same page in most issues. A collective approach towards countering problems of insurgency and embarking on the path of development is  very important. Narendra Modi in his brief stint has given the message that he is willing to walk the extra mile to reach out to Kashmiris. Mufti Mohammad Saeed and  Mehbooba Mufti are wily politicians and they may just go with BJP to get assurance of a friendly central government for the coming years. One positive point will be the fact that PDP-BJP alliance will be a more representative one, with members from all the regions of Jammu and Kashmir. Hence the government can actually work actively to bring people of both these regions closer. So if they can get through their initial hiccups, the combination can work well. But  finally it boils down to the question of choosing between pragmatism and idealism.