PDP, BJP deny any differences over power sharing in Kashmir

Both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who were in a coalition in Jammu and Kashmir, on Saturday dismissed rumours of any rift between the two over future power sharing.

Following Mehbooba Mufti's refusal to take oath as the new chief minister in succession to her late father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed before the traditional four day period of mourning ended, speculations were rife in the state that serious differences had surfaced up between the PDP and the BJP over future power sharing.

Talking to some media persons, BJP's state unit chief Sat Pal Sharma said: "There are certainly no conditions from our side and there was no meeting of our leaders on government formation.

"We respect the right of the bereaved family of Mufti Sahib to mourn his death."

Sharma confirmed he had received a letter from Governor N.N. Vohra on future government formation, adding the party will take a decision on it only after the mourning for Sayeed is over.

He said the BJP was interested in peace and development in the state and his party wants to continue the coalition to continue on the path shown by Sayeed.

Senior PDP leader and former education minister Naeem Akhtar also dismissed rumours about any conditions set forth by either his party or the BJP for forming the new government.

"Mufti Sahib was not only her father but guide, mentor and inspiration. We are not in any condition to discuss government formation at this moment. She (Mehbooba Mufti) is in mourning right now," he said.

He said the party leadership including the president will discuss and decide on government formation at an appropriate time.