PDP says it is awaiting Delhi's response over its CBM demands

Jammu, Feb 5: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday said it is awaiting New Delhi's reponse over its demand for CBMs (Confidence Building Measures) to be taken by the BJP government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for paving way for early government formation.

"We are clear on our side. They (Centre) have to do it. We have nothing to do", PDP Spokesman Naeem Akhtar told PTI tonight. Asked whether there was response from New Delhi, he said "no".

Meanwhile, Mehbooba today visited Jammu region's party headquarters at Gandhi Nagar for the second consecutive day and met party leaders, activists and people.

"She visited the Party office today met people there. She would also visit party office tomorrow and meet people", Akhtar said. Mehbooba visited the party headquarters here for the first time yesterday since Sayeed's death on January 7.

She kept away from speaking to media. Yesterday, the party's MLC and spokesman Firdos Tak said BJP will need to respond to issues raised by Mehbooba before any steps could be taken for coalition government formation.

"She (Mehbooba Ji) has categorically stated that some CBMs need to taken by the Centre. BJP has sought time. It is they who will have to explain," he said.

"Both coalition partners have to sit and decide," he said. On BJP leader Ram Madav's statement there will be no condition for the formation of the government, Tak said, "there are no fresh conditions from PDP side. We want the implementation of the 'Agenda of Alliance' formed by both the coalition partners."

With regard to time-line for formation of the government, he said, "Until the CMBs are not initiated (by New Delhi), there can be no government formation. Mehbooba had asserted after meeting Governor N N Vohra yesterday that PDP "cannot move forward" in forming government with BJP unless the Centre takes "tangible" CBMs to address the causes of alienation and works towards a lasting solution to the state's problems.

BJP had asked the Governor for 10 days' time to "resolve whatever is outstanding" with PDP.

PTI