PDP says 'minimum four days for swearing-in of new CM'

People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader M.H. Baig on Friday said that it would take at least four days for the swearing-in ceremony of the new Chief Minister, adding that party president Mehbooba Mufti is not desperate for power.

"It will take a minimum of four days for the swearing-in to take place. In such a time, how can you expect Mehbooba to come out? Her family is bereaved. Asking her to take on the power at such a time would be selfish. She is not desperate for power. Let her take her time," he said.

Commenting on the idea that Jammu and Kashmir was stuck in a constitutional crisis, Baig clarified the situation was that of a constitutional technicality and not that of a crisis.

"There is no constitutional crisis. A crisis is created only when there is no solution to a problem. There is only constitutional technicality," he said.

Explaining further, Baig added, "According to laws, the Governor has to send the report to President, who will forward it to the Cabinet. If it takes long, Governor's rule can be ordered. It is not a crisis. In the current situation, the Governor will act as a caretaker for the next few days."

The PDP leader also rubbished rumours that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had serious problems with Mehbooba Mufti taking over as the Chief Minister.

"According to my information, the BJP has no objection against Mehbooba becoming the Chief Minister. The BJP is a disciplined party trying to take things forward in a proper manner," Baig said.

According to reports, Mehbooba is reluctant to take oath as the first woman Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir before Chaharum of her father, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who passed away in New Delhi on Thursday morning.

Mufti Mohammad Sayeed passed away yesterday morning of multiple organ failure, after a prolonged illness, and was buried with state honours in his home town of Bijbehara.

The PDP leaders met Governor N.N. Vohra last evening to assure him about the continuation of the government under Mehbooba's leadership.