PDP, BJP struggle to find common ground
Mufti adamant over ‘non-negotiable’ political agenda of his party
Mehbooba to meet Governor today
Amid the speculations about a possible PDP-BJP alliance, negotiations between the two parties are reportedly stuck in the differences over several sensitive political issues concerning the state.
Sources privy to the parleys between the leaders of the two sides told Rising Kashmir that BJP has been trying to persuade PDP with major development packages. PDP, however, remains adamant over its political agenda, particularly over contentious issues like Article 370 and revocation of AFSPA.
PDP has also been advocating holding of talks with Pakistan and Hurriyat leaders for resolution of Kashmir issue.
A senior PDP leader said the party patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has categorically told BJP leaders that as far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, any development would be fruitful only if sustainable peace prevails in the region and it cannot be achieved unless BJP takes the stakeholders like Pakistan and Hurriyat Conference on board.
“For the peace and stability of the state, he (Mufti) is pitching for a strong government,” he said.
The PDP leader also said that talks with Pakistan are on the agenda for the larger good of the state. “We want a purposeful and domestic economic policy for the state.”
“He (Mufti) wants to come clean believing it to be an opportunity in disguise to prove himself as a politician,” he said and added that Mufti wanted to give a chance to BJP by placing his “rigid agenda”.
He has apprehensions that if BJP would be denied power it may lead to further polarisation in the state.
“If nothing is sort out as far as PDP’s role in government formation is concerned, the party patron clearly views the repercussions.”
Mufti has said even if party has to disintegrate, it should not be at the cost of its credibility created after years of hard work.
PDP has stated clearly that Article 370 is “non-negotiable” in its negotiations with BJP.
PDP president Mehbooba Mufti will be meeting Governor N N Vohra at Raj Bhavan, Jammu on Wednesday to apprise him of party’s government formation efforts.
