Ailing Mufti might make way for daughter Mehbooba, decision soon

Srinagar: With the medical condition of J& K chief minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed stated to be 'critical but stable', the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seems to be deliberating on the immediate future of party representation, when the assembly would be meet for the state budget.

The question of who will lead the party if the present chief minister's health does not improve, will be revealed in two days, sources say. There has not been any delegation of CM's powers to anyone so far and though the government seems to be working in unison even without their leader, the coming budget is an important affair that needs the presence of the government's leader in the assembly.

The ideal candidate to shoulder the responsibility in case of a change of guard would be his daughter and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti. In the past, her father had hinted about her stepping into his shoes, by calling her a 'grassroots leader' and attributing the party's success in the recent elections to her efforts and connect with the people.

With the CM still in the ICU, strapped onto respiratory support and his situation being stated as critical but stable, all eyes are on the party leaders who might make an announcement soon.