PDP asks lawmakers to gauge mood regarding alliance with BJP

SRINAGAR: People's Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Monday asked his newly-elected lawmakers to seek public opinion over the party's possible alliance with the BJP.
Sayeed met the lawmakers in person to get their feedback about the alliance.
He has been silent over the issue of government formation and underwent an eye surgery. He had met nobody except a few senior functionaries, who were apprising him about the political developments.
Sources said the PDP patron was getting viewpoints of legislators before the party's Political Affairs Committee (PAC) meet to take a final decision on the alliance.
"He is busy getting viewpoints from his legislators and then PAC shall be called to deliberate upon the different opinions," a source said. "Only then next step will be taken."
Reports said the PDP was facing opposition from some elected MLAs over a tie-up with the Hindu nationalists.
Sources said the BJP was not averse to an alliance with the PDP, but the party has refused to consider preconditions like strengthening Article 370 and revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.