BJP assures support to Mehbooba, lays stress on development in J-K

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday welcomed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti's move to soften her stand over government formation in Jammu and Kashmir while reiterating that the sole agenda of the alliance is development.

"We were already in alliance with the PDP before the demise of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. We came into alliance with them with an agenda and that was the welfare of Jammu and Kashmir. There has been no change in our stand," BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain told ANI.

"Certainly from their side, there has been a delay. We feel that any problem can be solved with a discussion. We feel that there should be a good government in the state which works for the betterment of the people. It is up to the PDP to decide which way they want to go. There has been no lack of effort from the BJP and we are committed to the agenda of development," he added.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir's former deputy chief minister Dr. Nirmal Singh welcomed Mehbooba's proposal.

"I think it's a good step and it is appreciable...We took two months to prepare the agenda of alliance and we implemented that during the 10-month tenure of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed... I think without losing time, we must go ahead with that agenda of alliance for the implementation of it because the people of Jammu and Kashmir have mandated for that," he said.

Speaking during a party function last evening, the PDP chief said that she was not 'stubborn' but wanted a signal from the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre that it would do everything for the welfare of people of the state.

"I am not a stubborn person, if I feel that the Centre is working for the welfare of the state then surely the government will be formed," she said.

"However, if it is only for the sake of government formation, or to delay polls, or to provide some work to MLAs, let me make it clear that I am not ready," she added.

The stalemate over government formation in the state continues after the demise of PDP patron and former chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in January.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra had earlier asked both the BJP and PDP to clear their stand on the government formation. The state is under Governor's Rule since January 8.