The BJP’s project to fracture the Kashmiri electorate and weaken its traditional parties of power — the National Conference (NC) and the PDP — is proceeding apace.

Two New Delhi-backed leaders — Sajad Lone of the People’s Conference and Altaf Bukhari of the Apni Party — have formally joined hands on the three Valley seats. Bukhari had declared support to Lone’s party for the Baramulla and Srinagar Lok Sabha seats; Lone has called upon cadres to back Bukhari in Anantnag-Rajouri, also known as the South Kashmir seat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s controversial remarks relating to Muslims have triggered outrage in Kashmir, with former chief minister Omar Abdullah (NC) claiming that efforts were underway to create religious tensions.

Clearly angered over Modi’s remarks, Omar challenged detractors to come up with evidence that Muslims had ever demanded more than their share in the population.

“It is being said that Hindus are in danger. The Hindu population is 80 per cent and the Muslim population is 14 per cent. What kind of threat will the 80 per cent have from the 14 per cent of the population?” he asked.

“I regret that statements are being made across the country to create tensions, infighting between religions.”

The alliance between Lone and Bukhari — old friends and also known lately as heads of the “king’s parties” — because of their widely known proximity to the Centre, apparently provides a context to the BJP’s late decision not to field candidates on the South Kashmir seat. The BJP is also unlikely to field candidates for the Baramulla and Srinagar seats.

“We have not fielded any candidate in the North. I am happy to announce that we will be extending support to the People’s Conference led by Sajad Gani Lone there,” Bukhari told a press conference.

“Our goal is to fulfil our core agenda, which is protection of jobs and land (for locals) and restoration of statehood. I need the support of people to achieve that. We support anybody who will achieve that goal. That is why we decided to support Sajad sahab, who represents new politics. My suggestion to traditional politicians is to retire,” Bukhari added, in a barely disguised jab at the NC and the PDP.

Lone on Saturday publicly asked Bukhari to extend his support to his party in North, before extending unconditional support to his party for the Srinagar and Anantnag seats. The two leaders thanked each other for the support.

Asked to comment on Modi’s remarks, Bukhari said his party was not in alliance with them. “The day I will be part of any alliance I will reply,” he said, deflecting the question.

Omar recently accused Bukhari and Lone of secretly meeting the BJP’s Jammu and kashmir in-charge, Tarun Chugh, in Srinagar and said it was proof the BJP was indirectly contesting Kashmir elections. Bukhari later admitted to having met Chugh but claimed there was nothing political to it.