Will have structured dialogue with BJP on common programme:PDP

Jammu, Feb 7: PDP and BJP will have a structured dialogue to arrive at a Common Minimum Programme, PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said asserting that the two parties will work "shoulder-to-shoulder" to provide good government to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

"There would be structured dialogue between leaders of the two parties (PDP and BJP) and discussions would be held on the issues to finalise on a Common Minimum Programme (CMP) before forming the government," the PDP leader said, adding that they were not in a hurry to form government.

"It would be coalition based on issues and CMP. We are in no hurry (to form the government). We will not rush away at a phone call," Sayeed, who had come here to cast his vote for electing four members for Rajya Sabha from Jammu and Kashmir. "Both (parties) will work together based on issues.

We will work shoulder-to-shoulder so that we give people good government," he added. Asserting that the process of forming government will be transparent, he said, "We will not do anything secretly. (with regard to formation of the government)" "We will have an open dialogue on various issues to arrive at a consensus. ...Both the parties have a vision and whatever will be the outcome will be before the people of J&K and it will not be a secret thing," he said.

On being asked if there was any time-frame on formation of the government and commencement of the structured dialogue with BJP, he said, "We are not in hurry. The government will be formed only after formulation of CMP". Sayeed said that CMP agreed by PDP and Congress in 2002 on the basic issues of the parties had helped in ensuring peace, progress and prosperity in the state by creation of a peaceful environment in 2002.

He said PDP's priority will be to change the destiny of the people of the state and work for friendly relations between India and Pakistan. "We want to change the destiny of the people of J&K. We want to make J&K a paradise of peace and friendship and we will work for peace and development of the people of the state which people of Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir have seen in 2002," the PDP patron said.

PDP, with 28 seats, is the single-largest party in the state Assembly, which is currently in suspended animation, while BJP has 25 seats and enjoys the support of at least two other MLAs in the 87-member House. Governor's rule was imposed in the state on January 9, a day after National Conference leader Omar Abdullah asked Governor N N Vohra to relieve him of the duties of caretaker chief minister with immediate effect.

PTI