PDP seeks BJP assurance on Article 370, AFSPA
A Government in Jammu & Kashmir doesn’t seem a possibility soon as the two key players — PDP and BJP — continued to grapple with the complexities involved in stitching together an alliance even while exploring “all other options”.
The PDP on Saturday hardened its stance saying it would not compromise on its ideology and demanding an assurance over contentious issues like safeguarding Article 370 and revocation of AFSPA. At the same time, it flashed the Congress’ offer of support to it for Government formation. It denied receiving any offer from the National Conference but maintained it would consider it if it is extended “formally”.
For its part, the BJP reiterated its serious intent of playing a role in the Government saying it has a “crucial mandate in the State”. Both the PDP and BJP are expected to meet Governor NN Vohra on Thursday — the deadline set by him for the two parties to come up with their proposals.
Outgoing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah virtually left the political arena after catching a flight to london to be with his parents, both of whom underwent surgeries recently.
With speculation abound, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti issued a gag order on party leaders and permitted only chief spokesman Naeem Akhtar to speak to the media. Akhtar said: “The PDP’s stand on Article 370 and State’s unique status is non-negotiable and the party wants to initiate a process for the resolution of Kashmir issue at the earliest.”
Sources said that PDP is also reluctant to accept BJP’s proposal to rotate Chief Minister after three years, a formula experimented after the 2002 verdict. Though the Chief Ministers Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Ghulam Nabi Azad (Congress) swapped positions after three years, the coalition ended prematurely in July 2008.
“Mufti will not accept such formula again. He waited for the opportunity (to be CM again) for 9 years. He will bargain for a full term and won’t budge on other crucial matters, no matter how much time the process takes to materialise,” a PDP leader told The Pioneer on condition of anonymity.
Sources said that PDP is not averse to forming regional councils for Kashmir Valley and Jammu to be governed according to the mandate offered by the people in the elections. ladakh is already governed by two separate hill councils for Kargil and leh. Interestingly, both ladakh councils are led by Congress that bagged three of the four seats in the region.