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| PDP-BJP alliance runs into rough weather | | Mufti to meet Modi in Mumbai | | Bashir Assad
Early Times Report
Jammu, Feb 15: Clouds of uncertainty continue to hover on government formation in Jammu and Kashmir. The People's Democratic Party patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in a last ditch effort is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai tomorrow to sort out the issues.
Sources say government formation has run into rough weather because the demand for partial revocation of Armed Forces' Special Powers Act is creating hiccups in the talks with the BJP for the proposed coalition.
PDP had earlier stated that it may or may not enter into the coalition, since the deal was subject to BJP's agreement on the common minimum program for governance, which includes partial revocation of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act or AFSPA.
Sources said that even though the parties had earlier agreed in-principle on partial revocation of AFSPA, the nitty-gritty continues to remain subject of debate.
Sources added that in view of the security scenario particularly in the backdrop of escalation of tension along International Border and the Line of Actual Control (LOC), BJP is reluctant to withdraw or revoke the Act.
Sources said the two parties also have different views on the modalities, timeline and how the matter is to be worded - "withdrawal" or "revocation".
The other key issues in which the gap needed to be bridged include Article 370, which gives Jammu and Kashmir special status under the Constitution, and initiation of talks with Pakistan and separatists. "The challenge before the two sides is to find a mutually acceptable language on the issue of Article 370," sources said.
Hectic back-channel negotiations are now on between the two parties to start a formal structured dialogue. Senior PDP leaders including party president Mehbooba Mufti are in Delhi for the purpose.
Highly placed sources say PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is in Mumbai for the second time in the last ten days. It is learnt that a confidential meeting with Prime Minister, Narendra Modi who is currently in Mumbai may take place soon. Sources said it is not a coincidence that Mufti and Modi are in Mumbai.
Sources disclosed that Mufti met top officials of the PMO team during his earlier visit to Mumbai. This time, his meeting with the PM is likely.
PDP has firmly opposed any attempt to weaken Article 370 -- which is seen as vital for the state's autonomy by its residents. In the past, BJP leaders have suggested that the need for Article 370 should be debated because it promotes separatism.
The Raj Bhavan has been given indications that a government might be formed by February 22. But PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has told his partymen that he would not enter into an alliance before all the issues on alliance agenda are accepted. |
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