According to the understanding reached between the Congress and the PDP after the 2002 elections for the J&K assembly, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed would be the Chief Minister of the PDP-led government for the first three years, after which the Congress would lead the government. With Mufti completing three years this October, discussions at the political level and party level are debating whether the Congress should replace Mufti and have its own man as Chief Minister in the State.

The Congress in J&K - both leaders and party workers - are keen to form the government according to the understanding reached three years ago. At the political level, the achievements of the PDP government over the last three years and the importance of a "Valley Man" and "Valley Party" being at the helm of affairs has been urged to let Mufti continue. The PDP, especially its leadership under Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti, continue to assert they are not power hungry at a rhetorical level. But the fact is they would love to continue, but expect the decision to be taken by the Congress. Should the Congress take over the administration now? Would that be in India's interests and would it help in pursuing what has been achieved over the last three years?

If one goes by the agreement, there is no doubt that the Congress should take over. It also has more seats than the PDP. It was a politically mature decision of the Congress leadership in New Delhi to let Mufti become Chief Minister. However, the decision needs to be taken now after considering whether it would be in the interest of the state and the country as a whole rather than narrow Congress interests in J&K. Continuation of the PDP may affect the morale of the Congress workers. It is unlikely that this would have any negative influence on the Congress' performance in the next elections, but a section within the party claims otherwise.

The supporters of the PDP have been arguing that the 'healing touch' policy of the Mufti has been a huge success and there is a big change in J&K. A section, especially in South Kashmir - in the districts of Anantnag and Pulawama - support the PDP and its healing touch policy more than those in Baramulla and Kupwara. Mufti has been criticized for being partial to the development of his constituencies at the cost of others. A section of the security apparatus is also apprehensive of the PDP's soft approach towards the militants, especially that of the Hizbul Mujahideen. The differences between Mufti and Raj Bhavan are increasing.

Irrespective of these negative points, there has certainly been a change in J&K in terms of the political and security situation, especially when compared to the previous National Conference government. The process of governance remains inadequate, but it has been improving. The biggest achievement of the Mufti government is the visible change in the perceptions of Kashmiris towards New Delhi. One could sense, especially in rural Kashmir, the willingness of the local population to become engaged in the governance process, instead of parroting that they are alienated. They have problems, but agree that the situation has changed and is improving. The popular disaffection towards Farooq Abdullah and his NC as a stooge of New Delhi has not affected the present government. Mufti is seen as an independent Chief Minister, who is trying his best. Mufti has certainly made a change, at least in rural Kashmir, on anti-Indian and alienation that were prevalent during the NC rule. It is in the interests of India that Mufti is allowed to continue as the CM for this reason.

Besides, irrespective of all the problems of the coalition, Mufti as a Chief Minister and a person has delicately balanced the various interests and led the government without any major hiccups. It is unlikely whether Ghulam Nabi Azad would be acceptable to the coalition and be able to delicately balance the interest of his own party and that of the coalition and be acceptable to people as well. It would be this factor that needs to be considered rather than the fact that he is not from the Valley and is from Doda.

Especially with relief efforts of the earthquake disaster under progress, a change in administration is likely to hamper it. Mufti should be allowed to continue, at least for the next one year, so that the present crisis is managed and what ever has been achieved over the last three years could be strengthened further.

The Congress cannot deny the fact that its thirst for power in the earlier decades was the primary factor that led to Kashmir being distanced from the rest of India. Its political manipulation, especially in the 1980s, played a vital role in increasing the distance between Srinagar and New Delhi and in turn let J&K burn. It is the Congress' turn now to heal the wounds. Let the PDP continue, though the Congress has every right to stake its claim. Would Sonia Gandhi have the political acumen and courage to do what the other two Gandhis failed to do?