Cong wary over divide

The Congress on Saturday continued to deliberate over the next course of action in the wake of the PDP8217;s withdrawal of support.

The Congress on Saturday continued to deliberate over the next course of action in the wake of the PDP8217;s withdrawal of support. The party leadership was said to be in favour of going in for a trial of strength in the J-K Assembly. Senior party leaders were of the view that this would give them an opportunity to call the PDP8217;s bluff on the transfer of forest land to the Amarnath Shrine Board.

The transfer was carried out by the Forest Ministry held by the PDP and, therefore, it is ironical that the party should make it an issue to withdraw support, said a senior Congress leader.

8220;We will use the debate on the floor of the House to expose the PDP8217;s role in the land transfer,8221; said the leader adding that, 8220;the Congress leadership was yet to take a decision on this8221;.

The option of dissolving the Assembly is also being discussed and imposition of President8217;s Rule is not being ruled out.

CM Ghulam Nabi Azad is likely to reach Delhi on Sunday to apprise the Government of the situation in the state. He already has had a telephonic conversation with party chief Sonia Gandhi.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh presided over a high-level meeting to discuss the scenario in the Valley. Sonia Gandhi was also in touch with senior party leaders from the state and Centre.

Congress sources said the parting of ways by the PDP was only expected giving its increasingly hardline stance like the advocacy of common currency in Kashmir and also its hobnobbing with Hurriyat leaders. This could be a blessing in disguise as the National Conference is a natural ally of the Congress, said a Congress leader.

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8220;The Kashmir development is not about politics alone. It is about national security. We hope that all political parties, including the BJP, take a responsible position in the interest of the nation. Any attempt to exploit it for political gains will further vitiate the atmosphere in the Valley,8221; said another Congress leader.