PDP-BJP Government in J&K a historic opportunity: Mufti

Srinagar, Feb 18: Senior People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader and former J&K CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Tuesday said that the alliance of his party with BJP is a historic opportunity for India.

In an interview with Times of India, Sayeed said, "A PDP-BJP government is a historic opportunity for J&K and for India. If it doesn't happen, the country loses a chance and we lose a chance to leave something for history."

On being asked whether a deal has been struck between the BJP and PDP, he said,'no yet.'

Meanwhile, media reports say that the ongoing political stalemate in Jammu and Kashmir may end soon. Sayeed is likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi soon and it is also being believed that both BJP and PDP have reached to consensus on a number of issues, paving a path to give a stable Government in the J&K.

The final call over the same will be taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As per reports, the BJP will have the deputy chief minister and a major share in portfolios to ensure equitable development of all the three regions of the state.

"We feel to forge a development-oriented ruling alliance with the PDP in the country`s only Muslim majority state would do good to the image of the BJP nationally and internationally," a senior BJP leader said in Jammu.

The leader, requesting anonymity, said at the same time the party would not make any compromises on its "basic principles".

The BJP`s stand on contentious issues like Article 370, Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and the settlement of west Pakistan refugees in Jammu and Kashmir has been diagonally opposed to that of the PDP.

The PDP seeks firm assurances on protection of Article 370, the BJP stands for a national debate on whether this temporary provision of the Indian constitution, granting special status to J&K, should stay or go.

The results of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir on December 23 threw up a hung assembly with PDP emerging as the single largest party bagging 28 seats in the 87-member house. BJP came close second with 25 seats while National Conference bagged 15 seats followed by Congress with 12 seats and others winning seven seats.

Governor's rule was imposed in the state on January 8, a day after former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah asked Vohra to relieve him of the caretaker responsibilities with immediate effect. No party or combination of parties has staked claim for government formation in the state so far.

OneIndia News