With PDP asserting during back-channel talks with BJP that the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) will be a public document, the saffron party, which has 25 MLAs, is finding it hard to give a written assurance on not raking up the issue of Article 370, which gives special status to the state, sources said.
BJP leaders from the state have also made it clear to the party's central leadership that any decision of controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) will have to be taken in consultation with the Army, which has been fighting militancy in the state for over two decades.
Chief Spokesman of PDP Naeem Akthar said the talks are continuing and "I can say that there are more areas of convergence than differences and efforts have been intensified to iron out these differences."
BJP's Nirmal Singh, whose name is doing rounds for the Deputy Chief Minister, said, "We are hopeful that a stable and credible government is formed in the state soon."
About his views that Army needs to be consulted before deciding on AFSPA, he said, "I did mean it as Army has to be taken on board before taking any decision on withdrawal of AFSPA."
On reported demand of PDP, which has 28 MLAs, that India should hold talks with Pakistan, Singh said, "This is Centre's prerogative and I think it should be left to the central government only."
Once CMP is finalised by the two sides, the sources said, a structured dialogue between the two sides will begin and will be followed by sealing of the deal by PDP patron Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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