Mufti Sayeed-led PDP-BJP govt takes over in Jammu and Kashmir

The new cabinet marks the maiden entry of BJP in the state government

A new coalition government headed by PDP veteran Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today took over the reins of power in Jammu and Kashmir, marking the maiden entry of BJP in the state government which promised to maintain status quo on Article 370, a departure from the saffron party's stated position.

Ending 49 days of Governor's rule in the state, the swearing-in ceremony, in which 25 Ministers of Sayeed cabinet were administered oath of office and secrecy by Governor N N Vohra, also saw separatist-turned-politican Sajjad Lone taking oath as a Cabinet Minister in the BJP quota.

The function was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who wished Sayeed and his team, saying "PDP-BJP govt is a historic opportunity to fulfil the aspirations of the people of J&K and take the State to new heights of progress."

Others present included senior BJP leaders - L K Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, party President Amit Shah and General Secretary Ram Madhav.

Nirmal Singh of BJP, who will be the new Deputy Chief Minister of the state, was second after Sayeed to take oath. In all, 13 MLAs including Sayeed from the PDP and 12 MLAs from BJP and Peoples Conference combine were sworn-in as ministers.

The ceremony was boycotted by National Conference and majority of Congress leaders and MLAs. However, Congress state unit chief Saif-ud-din Soz, who is speculated to be on his way out, attended the function held at Zorawar auditorium of Jammu University.

After the ceremony, Sayeed and Singh jointly addressed a press conference where they released the 16-page "Agenda of the Alliance" in which both parties agreed to maintain status quo on Article 370.

It said the "present position will be maintained on all Constitutional provisions including special status." BJP's national agenda seeks scrapping of this Article.

"PDP and BJP have entered into the governance alliance based on the agreement and agenda which is an effort towards seeking national reconcilation on Jammu and Kashmir," the Agenda document said.