Although BJP leaders have maintained guarded silence over reports of change of guard in the state, an unscheduled visit of state BJP president Jugal Kishore Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh to the national capital has fuelled rumours in this connection.
Sharma and Dr Singh rushed to New Delhi on Tuesday to interact with Central leaders on some important issues pertaining to the state. Highly placed sources in the BJP said the Deputy Chief Minister flew to New Delhi in the afternoon while the state BJP president rushed by train in the evening.
“Both leaders were asked by Central leaders to reach the national capital to discuss some important issues,” said a source. The source added that the high command sought the views of both leaders on the prevailing political situation in the state.
“Sharma, who was touring the border district of Rajouri, cut short his visit and rushed to the national capital for an important discussion,” the source said. The source added that Central BJP leaders met the Deputy Chief Minister and state BJP president separately to seek their opinion on change of guard.
Both leaders returned to Jammu on Wednesday afternoon after discussing all political aspects, the source said. The source added that state leaders authorised the high command to take a final call on change of guard in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sources said state BJP leaders were asked not to issue any statement on change of guard in Jammu and Kashmir without getting proper approval of the high command.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu on November 13, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed hinted that his daughter Mehbooba Mufti could replace him and become the state’s first woman head of government. Mufti praised Mehbooba and credited her with strengthening the PDP in the state in the presence of Dr Singh.
Although Mufti made it clear that the decision to make Mehbooba the Chief Minister would be taken collectively by the party, he said his daughter had done a good job during Assembly elections last year and she had a better connect with people.
After the Chief Minister’s press conference on November 13, state BJP leaders had maintained guarded silence. No BJP leader was ready to speak on the issue on record. The state unit put the onus on the high command to take a final decision on change of guard in the state.
Delhi visit of state BJP leaders fuels rumours of change in guard
