Lone met BJP leaders J.P. Nadda and Ram Madhav last month
Former separatist and People's Conference leader Sajjad Lone after meeting PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi: In a significant move, former separatist and People’s Conference leader Sajjad Lone met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, fuelling speculation that he may join hands with the BJP after the J&K polls. The state, with 87 Assembly seats, begins a five-phase poll from November 25.
Mr Lone met BJP leaders J.P. Nadda and Ram Madhav last month, and it was decided then he would meet Mr Modi later. Mr Lone insisted he discussed development issues with the PM, but the meeting comes as the BJP is making an all-out effort to come to power in the state, where it has launched “Mission 44+”.
Mr Lone had announced that People's Conference will contest the Assembly election on its own and will take a decision on a possible alliance after the election. Mr Lone was formerly part of the Mirwaiz-led faction of the Hurriyat conference.
Claiming that his meeting with the PM was entirely personal, Mr Lone praised him saying,''Mr Modi was so large hearted that it was tough to say whether I was meeting PM of India or my elder brother."
Sources said there is a view within the BJP that since Mr Lone has openly praised the PM he can be projected as the credible face of a possible post poll alliance in the State. The BJP as of now does not have a prominent leader whom it can project in the Valley.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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