Facing internal revolt, Mehbooba Mufti rejects possible tie-up with Congress as 'fake news'

Even as Jammu and Kashmir reels under Governor's rule, there are reports that several parties are looking for realignment to again take a stab at forming a government in the state. One such report indicated that Congress is now looking to ally with PDP to form government in the state.

While Congress categorically rejected any such chance alliance with PDP earlier, it was time for Mehbooba Mufti to straight the record straight. This comes at a time when she faces the grim prospect of a split in PDP with two senior leaders openly raising the plank of dissent against her. 

Mehbooba said on Twitter, " 

Amused at media speculations about a possible PDP-INC alliance to form the government in J&K. Conjecture also includes an impending meeting between Sonia ji & I. This is utter fabrication & yet another unfortunate example of #FakeNews!

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) July 2, 2018

Ex-J&K CM said, " Amused at media speculations about a possible PDP-INC alliance to form the government in J&K. Conjecture also includes an impending meeting between Sonia ji & I. This is utter fabrication & yet another unfortunate example of Fake News". 

Scotching rumours of government formation with PDP, the General Secretary of Congress Party in charge Jammu and Kashmir, Ambika Soni told WION that there is no question of forming government with PDP. “The matter has not been discussed at any level. It is not on the table and what is being said is pure speculation,” she said.

Sources inside the Congress Party said that PDP has lost political capital and Congress will not try to form the government in current scenario or at least in the present assembly as it would adversely affect the party.

Political pundits believe PDP may be looking to test political waters in the state as it faces possible split.

Two of its influential MLAs raised banner of revolt against the leadership of Mehbooba Mufti for allegedly converting the party into “family and dynastic fief”.

Post collapse of the PDP-BJP government, former Sports Minister and MLA from Pattan constituency Molvi Imran Reza Ansari and his uncle and MLA from Zadibal constituency Abid Hussain Ansari rebelled against Mehbooba and hinted at creating “Peoples Bloc” with all like-minded party members.

“We had joined the party when Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was leading it. He had formed the party against the dynastic and family rule.  Peoples Democratic Party has been converted into Family Democratic Party. There are many like-minded people with us. In coming days nobody is going to be with Mehbooba Mufti. Let her be with her Mama, Musa, Chacha and Bhai”, Imran told DNA.

Former Minister said they would talk to the “like-minded” people and discuss future course of action. “We are ready for the elections. There is nothing in mind (about government formation). We are ready to face people. We do not want to keep people in dark. I am not a paratrooper in the party. I am a people’s man”, he said.

With inputs from DNA Correspondents