BJP dumps PDP in Jammu and Kashmir: How politicians reacted

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday pulled out of an alliance with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Jammu and Kashmir.

The BJP’s decision to end the three-year-long partnership with Mehbooba Mufti prompted sharp reactions from political opponents. While some called the alliance “anti-national”, others said that the saffron party’s move was to control the damage the alliance has done to its pro-Hindutva image.

Here are how political parties reacted to the BJP’s decision to break alliance with the PDP:

PDP: We tried our best to run the government with BJP. This had to happen. This came as a surprise for us because we did not have any indication about their decision.

Congress: Whatever has happened is good. People of J&K will get some relief. They (BJP) ruined Kashmir & have now pulled out, a maximum number of civilian & army men died during these 3 years.

Shiv Sena: This alliance was anti-national & unnatural. Our party chief had said, this alliance won't work out. Had they continued with it they would have had to answer in 2019 Lok Sabha election

National Conference: Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah tweeted, “And so it has come to pass........(sic).” Later in a press conference, he demanded early elections in the state.

Shatrughan Sinha: The PDP-BJP government in Kashmir was formed amid the contradictions inside the party. Whatever happened in Kashmir is a matter of concern. If this has to happen, why did the BJP tie-up with the PDP? Today, the unrest in Kashmir is unprecedented. I hope whatever happens next in Jammu and Kashmir, should be in favour of the people.