Excerpts from an interview with Raj Chengappa, Editor-in-Chief, The Tribune Group of Newspapers:
Are you worried about a fractured verdict?
We are going to get a clear majority. I am worried about the polarisation of the state because the BJP has introduced this trick to consolidate non-Muslim votes in Jammu and in reaction to what perhaps something else is going to happen, because Mufti Sahib has always worked for building up a Jammu and Srinagar axis. You cannot connect Jammu and Kashmir with India unless you repair this gap between Jammu and Kashmir.
Would it be dangerous if that happens?
Polarisation is doomsday. we are most worried of a Kashmir ruling party and a Jammu oppositin. If this happens, it would be difficult to govern the state and disastrous because these two major regions of the state have to pull together harmoniously if we have to progress.
Do you think Prime Minister Modi has got traction in the Valley by his rallies?
I don't think so. However, he has been able to get a positive response because people now feel obliged to come out and vote. It is their assertion that you cannot divide them, or fiddle with the special status of the state.
What has been PDP's strategy?
We do not want any politics of division. Mufti Sahib is the only person who has given a vision of a United Jammu and Kashmir as part of the Indian Union. We are part of Indian democracy and would like that Jammu and Kashmir flourish under this system. The national leaders of India should address the issues of Kashmir and issues of Pakistan.
If the PDP falls short of the 44 mark, whom you would prefer as an alliance partner — the Congress or the BJP?
We feel there is a surge in favour of the PDP. However, the BJP cannot be an untouchable for support because they are ruling the country. We even need the Congress' support. Alliance is a different thing and support is another one.
What are other main issues in this election?
Apart from the apprehensions about the BJP, there's the reconstruction problem and the revival of the peace process that started under Atal Bihari Vajpayee with a push to Srinagar.