Parivar scores in this Jammu vs Kashmir match

If it blows out of proportion, it could vindicate the RSS and its affiliates, who have been complaining of Kashmiri hegemony and seeking statehood for Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.

CPI(M) MLA Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami, who is playing the mediator between Congress and PDP, said the regional hue worries him the most in J-K’s uncertain post-poll situation.

‘‘From the viewpoint of a national party, I considered the drubbing of BJP and its allies the biggest political victory of the polls. And now this tussle seems to negate that win,’’ he said.

Tarigami condemned both parties for making ‘‘irresponsible’’ statements. ‘‘Why can’t they say the CM has to be from Jammu & Kashmir?’’ he said.

The Congress, which bagged 14 of the 20 Jammu region seats, is projecting Doda-born Ghulam Nabi Azad as CM. After PDP openly demanded that ‘‘Kashmiri’’ Mufti Mohammad Sayeed be made CM, Congress became almost apologetic about Azad’s antecedents.

The party’s spin doctors are now digging for his Kashmir connection. Azad, who is from Bhaderwah, is married to Shamima Dev, a professional singer from Kashmir.

Bhim Singh’s Panthers Party, with four seats in the Assembly, has added to the confusion. He has said he would support any formation that puts up a Jammu man for CM.

The National Conference, which is keenly watching the PDP-Congress tussle, believes the conflict is vitiating the discourse between the two parties. Abdul Rasheed Shaheen, a party MP, said: ‘‘The language used by PDP and Congress would only benefit the Sangh Parivar and others who seek to divide J-K. And that can’t be in the national interest.’’

The regional sentiments in J-K have never been stronger than they are today. Ladakhis want Union Territory status for their region. In the recent polls, NC managed to win only one of four seats there.

Not just the Sangh Parivar, some American thinktanks too have suggested trifurcation to resolve the Kashmir problem.