Cong in talks...

The Congress functionary added, “During the past few days, there have also been hectic attempts by the BJP to form its government by encouraging defections from other parties particularly the PDP.”

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav had held separate meetings with Peoples Conference chairman Sajjad Ghani Lone and independent legislator Engineer Rashid in Srinagar last week to discuss the “roadmap” for the state.

However, Madhav dismissed suggestions that the BJP was trying to form a government in the state.

Adding to the buzz around new political realignment is the presence of former J&K chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti in Delhi for the past two days. Her aides maintained that she is in Delhi to find an alternative accommodation after she was asked to vacate her official residence in the national capital following her ouster as CM.

A person close to the PDP leadership said there had been ‘some communication’ with the Congress.

“Mehbooba will be open to it. The question is, will Congress be open to it.”

The two parties, Congress and the PDP, officially, remained silent on the possibilities of informal channels working behind the scenes to prevent the formatiopn of a Bjp-supported government in the state.

“This is just kite flying. We are looking for immediate elections which we hope will be conducted soon,” said senior PDP leader and former state minister Naeem Akhter when asked about the possibilities of a tie-up with the Congress.

For an alliance with the PDP, the Congress will have to either break its alliance with its ally,