Stalemate over Government Continues in Jammu and Kashmir

NEW DELHI: Even two weeks after the Assembly polls which gave a fractured verdict, Jammu and Kashmir continues to see a stalemate over government formation with both the PDP and the BJP sideline any measures of direct communication for forging an alliance.

Both the parties, however, have been in talks since the counting day, but yet to claim any breakthrough on Government formation in the state.

In such a confusing scenario, the BJP is now pinning hopes on PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who is scheduled to visit Jammu towards the weekend to meet the BJP leaders.

“Mufti Sahab is the final authority for any alliance and he may meet BJP leaders in Jammu this weekend to discuss the formalities of Government formation” said a PDP leader.

However, PDP Chief Spokesperson, Nayeem Akhtar underlined that there has been no progress on talks with BJP over government formation.

“We are in status quo” he said.

On the other hand, BJP is claiming that PDP has showed some “initiative” in forging an alliance, also, hinting to set some controversial issues aside.

The party top brasses, who held deliberations in National Capital, asserted that they will be a part of the government in Jammu and Kashmir.

Also, the BJP has showed some willingness to discuss the revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the state, which, the PDP has been raising since the first day of talks.

“We are ready to discuss the revocation of AFSPA with PDP” said Ashok Koul, BJP State Secretary (Organization).

However, quickly adding that they won’t enter into any compromise which helped BJP to win 25 seats in Jammu region, he said “We cannot enter into a compromise on something for which people voted us”.

He further said that emotions of people of Jammu who gave the party such a huge mandate will be taken into consideration while entering into a pact with the PDP.

PDP, which emerged as single largest party winning 28 seats — 25 in Kashmir and three in Jammu region, is being approached by even the National Conference (NC) and Congress for forming the government.

However, according to sources, the PDP is strongly considering an alliance with BJP in order to ensure the continuous flow of funds to the state by the Centre.