PDP delaying govt formation as it is afraid of facing people: Omar

Srinagar, Jan 27: Taking a swipe at PDP, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah today said it was delaying government formation as it was scared of facing the electorate again due to its "failure" in governance during the 10-month rule.

The former Chief Minister said the PDP has the option of forming a fresh government with the BJP in view of its assertion that the Agenda of Alliance of the coalition partners was a "sacred" document.

The other option is that of fresh elections in the state, he said, adding PDP, however, "is so terrified of being routed out completely once for all that it is neither willing to provide a government with its alliance partner nor is it willing to go for fresh elections."

His swipe came as PDP has been maintaining suspense over government formation in the state which is under Governor's rule since January 8 after the demise of then Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

Addressing a gathering in his Beerwah constituency, Omar said, "If you (PDP) are so scared of forming a government with BJP which continues to be your alliance partner, let us go to the people for a fresh mandate."

Omar said PDP will not call for fresh elections as it knows that it would be completely decimated and that National Conference would emerge as a single-majority force.

"PDP is terrified of fresh elections in the state due to its political U-turns and a ten-month tenure of failures and abject misgovernance," he added.

Omar said it was surprising that people found the administration more responsive and effective under Governor's Rule than it was under the rule of the PDP-BJP Government "which is a tragic indictment of the PDP-BJP Government".

He said that despite the PDP-BJP Alliance intact and despite the existence of elected MLAs, the state's budget was all set to be prepared and adopted by the Governor s office.

"In spite of being MLAs, we have been deprived of our constitutional powers to make the budget and public policies to reflect your needs and aspirations," Omar told the people.

Omar released Rs 90 lakh for various developmental works in his constituency. He also released funds for 50 electricity transformers and 50 IAY quarters besides announcing donation of four ambulances in the constituency.

He also donated scooters to two handicapped individuals from his constituency development fund.

PTI