PDP withdraws support to Jammu & Kashmir Government

It's official now! The People's Democratic Party (PDP), which played a significant role in creating a communal divide in Kashmir, finally withdrew support to the Congress-ruled government in Jammu and Kashmir over the allotment of forest land to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.

Both Congress and PDP had formed the government in 2002. As per the power sharing agreement, PDP ruled the state for 30 months. The Congress has almost completed its tenure and elections are due in the state later this year. The decision to withdraw support to the government was announced by PDP President Mehbooba Mufti. The ministers belonging to PDP, have submitted their resignation to the J&K Governor.

The Congress-led coalition government was reduced to a minority with the PDP pulling out of the coalition. PDP has 18 MLAs in the 87-member assembly, while the Congress has 21 members. The coalition also has the support of eight independent MLAs and two CPM legislators. J&K Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad criticized the political parties for playing politics over religious issues.