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| Mehbooba meets Guv, hints at pact with BJP | | | Bashir Assad
Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 31: Amid reports that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Bharatiya Janta Party have almost broken the ice over the next government formation in Jammu and Kashmir, the PDP president Mehbooba Mufti met the Governor N N Vohra here today and discussed the government formation with him.
Speaking to the media after meeting the Governor, Mehbooba hinted at her party joining hands with BJP.
"For NDA government, it is a big responsibility. For Modi, it is a big responsibility. Jammu and Kashmir has been the biggest challenge for any PM right from Nehru till date," Mehbooba told reporters in apparent signals to the BJP that the two can discuss contentious issues that come in the way of the two parties coming together.
Whatever formation is firmed up, it should respect the mandate of the people and have the principle of "reconciliation", she said, adding "Till that is not taken along, forming any government will be useless".
While talking about the opportunity provided by the mandate for both the NDA and Congress leadership, Mehbooba referred to Modi's "dream" of development and addressing the problem of unemployment. "But we cannot have development without peaceful atmosphere on the ground," she said.
She said "It (development) is not possible till Vajpayeeji's political process is taken forward."
Mehbooba noted that for peace in Jammu and Kashmir, Vajpayee had "started a political process" and it needs to be carried forward.
Amid reports that her party could opt for a "Grand Alliance" comprising its arch-rival National Conference and the Congress, Mehbooba hinted that the door was open for the BJP. "Media reports say we have the support of 55 MLAs but we don't want to form a government for the sake of it. A government should be one that is about welfare and peace, and for that we need Vajpayee's approach," said Mufti, repeatedly dodging direct questions on whether she would join hands with the BJP.
Meanwhile sources said that PDP and BJP have broken the ice on government formation in JK. Hiccups have been removed, now the focus is on drafting a common minimum program. "BJP has accepted PDP's demand to have Mufti Mohammad Sayeed as the chief minister for full six-year term. BJP leader Nirmal Singh may be nominated as the state's deputy chief minister," sources added.
The PDP spokesperson Naeem Akhtar said internal discussion about having alliance with different parties was going on and the party was weighing all options. He, however, confirmed that informal talks with the BJP were on about the government formation.
An elected government has to be put in place by January 19, failing which the Governor's rule would be imposed in the state.
The Assembly elections threw up a hung verdict with PDP emerging as the single-largest party with 28 seats in the 87-member lower house. BJP emerged as the second-largest party with 25 seats followed by National Conference at 15 and Congress with 12. Smaller parties and independents have won seven seats. |
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