Madhav says Guv rule to continue in J&K, asks NC, PDP to clear stand on participating in state polls

Accusing the NC and the PDP of trying to scuttle the democratic process, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav has asked them to clear stand on whether they would participate in state assembly elections or boycott them, like they did during the local bodies polls.

Asked about any proposal to dissolve the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Madhav said the Governor's rule will continue till the middle of December and what happens next will be discussed then.

"We are happy with it and that is why BJP has decided to continue the Governor rule for sometime," he said at a function here to felicitate the newly-elected BJP councillors late last night.

Under the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, there is no provision for extension of Governor's rule. Sources have told PTI that the central government might recommend a spell of President's rule in Jammu and Kashmir when the Governor's rule expires on December 19.

Without naming the NC or the PDP, Madhav said their hypocrisy stands exposed as they first boycotted the ULB polls but are now pressing for dissolution of assembly for fresh elections.

"On one hand they say they will not take part in elections to safeguard Article 35A, on the other, they demand dissolution of assembly and fresh elections. Tomorrow if assembly elections are held, will you will fight or go by your boycott?" he said.

The BJP leader asked if the two parties decide to participate in the state polls, "what will happen to Article 35A, which you used as a pretext to stall the ULB elections."