Though the Amarnath land issue was a flashpoint in their already strained relations, both the PDP and Congress had been trying to politically outwit each other for long especially on issues like planning development works in the state in January instead of March every year; creation of eight new districts; demand to withdraw troops from the Valley; and the much hyped forest scam involving PDP ministers. So, when the Amarnath land issue (involving even PDP ministers who were party to the allotment of forest land to the Shrine Board) came up, no one listened to any of these parties and stood up against the Government.

Even the BJP is not too comfortable with facing the electorate soon. But it takes solace from the fact that they had been in the forefront of the pro-Amarnath agitation and, as such, the situation is in their favour in Jammu. So, even as the Election Commission reiterates its resolve to conduct the state polls on time to meet the January 9 deadline for the formation of the new House, the parties could do well with a little bit more time on their hand.