In the backdrop of imposition of Governor’s rule in J&K, the BJP on Monday dismissed as speculation the reports of fresh conditions from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), its alliance partner in the State, and hoped that the takeover by the new Government of the two allies would be smooth.
BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said no political discussion started with the PDP as Mehbooba Mufti was in deep mourning following her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s death last week. With the mourning period over on Sunday, BJP expects political discussion within PDP to start now following which it will respond accordingly, he said.
Amid suspense over Government formation in J&K, the BJP leader put the ball in PDP’s court saying the Mehbooba Mufti-led party has to take the first call and that the existing power-sharing arrangement between the two parties to continue.
He dismissed as “mere speculation” the reports that both parties have put up fresh conditions.
As about the uncertainty, he said, “PDP can answer this question. They have to think about the process, they have to complete from their side. It is for the PDP to take the first call from their side. They have to decide about their leader and come forward. I hope they take a decision soon so that this kind of uncertainty ends.”
“I am tempted to say it will be smooth. We will like to know what they are thinking. PDP has to be forthcoming, “ he said answering a question whether take over answering a question whether take over would be a smooth affair.
late Chief Minister Sayeed, following whose death the State has been brought under Governor’s Rule, had a “grand vision” for the J&K’s development which resulted in the alliance between the two parties, Madhav told newspersons.
“We had an alliance months ago with the grand vision of the State’s development. We (BJP) are in favour of continuing that arrangement for the larger benefit of the State. It has been in the interest of the State and we want this to continue,” he said.
On Congress chief Sonia Gandhi’s meeting with Mehbooba, which has led political speculation, Madhav said , “What transpired (between them) I do not know but I am tempted to believe that it was to express condolence.”