New Delhi, June 19 : The BJP on Tuesday ended its alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and pulled out of the PDP-led Jammu and Kashmir government, saying it had become "untenable" to continue in the coalition.

"Three years ago BJP formed a government in Jammu and Kashmir with the PDP with some goals. But now it has become untenable for the BJP to continue in the alliance government," Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Ram Madhav told the media here.

He said the decision was taken after consulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah.

"Keeping in mind the larger national interest of India's integrity and security... in order to bring in control the situation prevailing in the state. It is time that the reins of power in state be handed over to the Governor (N.N. Vohra)," the BJP leader said.

He added that terrorism and radicalization had increased in Kashmir.

"Fundamental rights of people in Kashmir are under threat. Even press freedom and freedom of speech is at risk," Ram Madhav said.

 

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Mumbai (PTI): Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli blasted half-centuries as the defending champions beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in an Indian Premier League match here on Sunday.

Salt (78 off 36 balls) and Kohli (50 off 38 balls) stitched together a 120-run stand for the opening wicket before Patidar scored a rapid 53 off just 20 balls as RCB posted 240 for 4.

In response, Mumbai Indians were restricted to 222 for 5, with RCB spinner Suyash Sharma (2/47) putting the skids on the home side with a double strike in the eighth over, from which they could not recover.

Sherfane Rutherford top-scored for MI with an unbeaten 71 off 31 balls.

While opener Rohit Sharma appeared to be struggling with a hamstring issue and had to retire hurt on 19, his partner Ryan Rickelton made 37, while Suryakumar Yadav (33) and Hardik Pandya (40) were the other contributors for MI.

Brief scores:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru 240 for 4 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 78, Virat Kohli 50, Rajat Patidar 53, Tim David 35 not out).

Mumbai Indians: 222 for 5 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 71 not out, Ryan Rickelton 37, Hardik Pandya 40; Suyash Sharma 2/47).