PDP shown initiative in taking forward talks on J&K govt: BJP

Amid a stalemate over government formation in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP today said Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has shown some initiative in taking forward talks between the two parties to form a stable government, after the Assembly polls threw up a fractured verdict.

BJP's core group leaders from the state today met party president Amit Shah at his residence here and discussed the issue of taking further the talks with the PDP.

"There has been an initiative from PDP's side. To take this forward, we discussed to hold further discussions on the issues (with PDP). At the moment, there is some forward movement on the issue," BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav told reporters after the meeting.

Sources said the during the meeting that lasted 90 minutes, the J&K party leaders held discussions with Shah on issues like the post of chief minister and the party's stand on Article 370 and AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) in case BJP goes along with PDP in the state.

"The issue has moved forward. As and when we move forward we will let you know. Keeping in mind the mandate in Jammu and Kashmir, we have decided to take forward the talks," Madhav said.

Among those who were present during the meeting with Shah where Madhav was there too, included Union Minister Jitendra Singh, party's in-charge Avinash Rai Khanna, BJP state unit president Jugal Kishore Sharma and senior state leaders Nirmal Singh and Bali Bhagat, among others.

Madhav later said as efforts to form a stable government are being made, the core group of J&K unit of BJP held a meeting with the party president and discussed the issue.

"The state leaders held discussions on some issues with the party president. The views of all party state leaders were taken," he said.

Madhav, however, denied starting any structured talks with the PDP and said only informal discussions have been held and formal talks will begin later.

BJP is keen to form its government in J and K, and has pitched for the chief minister's post, claiming that it has the public mandate in its favour, as it received the highest number of votes.

BJP has 25 seats and is second after PDP, which emerged as the single-largest party with 28 MLAs. NC got 15 and Congress had to content with 12 seats in the 87-member state Assembly.

Meanwhile, Madhav met senior party leaders from the state at the party headquarters, ahead of their meeting with Shah.