Want existing power-sharing arrangement with PDP in J&K to continue: BJP

The party however today put the ball in PDP's court saying the Mehbooba Mufti-led party has to take the first call

Amid suspense over government formation in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP today put the ball in PDP's court saying the Mehbooba Mufti-led party has to take the first call and made it clear that it wanted the existing power-sharing arrangement between the two parties to continue.

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav also rejected as "mere speculation" the reports that both parties have put up fresh conditions and asserted that no political discussion had started between them as Mehbooba was in deep mourning following her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's death last week.

Asked about the uncertainty, he said, "PDP can answer this question. They have to think about the process they have to complete from their side. It is for PDP to take the first call from their side. They have to decide about their leader and come forward. I hope they take a decision soon so that this kind of uncertainty ends."

To a query that if BJP expected a smooth takeover by a new PDP-BJP government, he said, "I am tempted to say it will be smooth. We will like to know what they are thinking. PDP has to be forthcoming."

Late Chief Minister Sayeed, following whose death the state has been brought under Governor's Rule, had a "grand vision" for the J&K's development which resulted in the alliance between the two parties, Madhav told reporters.

"We had an alliance months ago with the grand vision of the state's development. We (BJP) are in favour of continuing that arrangement for the larger benefit of the state. It has been in the interest of the state and we want this to continue," he said.

Madhav had played a key role in bringing about his party's alliance with PDP. A section of PDP is said to be unhappy with the tie-up and wants Mehbooba, who is likely to be her party's chief ministerial candidate, to review it.

Asked about Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's meeting with Mehbooba, which has fuelled political speculation, Madhav quipped, "What transpired (between them) I do not know but I am tempted to believe that it was to express condolence."

With the mourning period over yesterday, BJP expects political discussion within PDP to start now following which it will respond accordingly, he said.