All options open in Jammu and Kashmir: BJP

Amid frenzied speculation in the wake of a hung assembly in Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP has said that all options are open, including the party forming the next government in India’s northern state.

“All options are open for us, BJP will decide on how other parties respond or initiate,” BJP president Amit Shah told journalists after the results of the elections in Jammu and Kashmir became clear, with the BJP emerging as the second largest party in the 87-member state assembly with 25 seats. This is the BJP’s best ever electoral performance in Jammu and Kashmir.

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has emerged as the single largest party, winning 30 seats and looks set to form the next government. Latest trends indicate that the Congress will end up with 16 seats. In such a scenario, the PDP has a choice of either partnering with the Congress or the BJP.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti has refused to respond to speculation, saying her party will go for the formation which will help fructify the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and take the democratic process forward in the state.

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