Ready to discuss AFSPA, but won’t compromise on poll planks: BJP

“How can we enter into a compromise on something for which people voted in our favour,” said Ashok Koul,  BJP’s State Secretary (Organization).
Koul, who is also BJP’s Core Group member, said they were ready to discuss the issue of revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act with the PDP. “Such things can’t be settled if one says do this and do that. Let them (PDP) come forward and we will discuss it. If there is a room for negotiations, we will go ahead,” Koul told Greater Kashmir.
He said BJP can’t enter into any sell-out on issues the party used as poll planks in the recently held Assembly polls. “How would it look if we compromise on issues that got us votes and gave us 25 seats in Jammu,” Koul said.
He said during the BJP’s core group meeting in New Delhi yesterday, the leaders made it clear to the party chief Amit Shah that “emotions of people of Jammu who gave party such a huge mandate must be taken into consideration while entering into a pact with the PDP.”
Sources said BJP has already sent some feelers to PDP that there would be no compromise on issues “that would affect the sovereignty of India.”
“BJP is of the belief that AFSPA is an issue that is directly linked with the army. The party would discuss the issue of is revocation with the army top brass before making any headway, with the PDP,” a source said.
BJP’s JK affairs in-charge AvinashRai Khanna said “there is no doubt that AFSPA is the prerogative of the army.”
“We have nothing to do with it,” he said.
Sources in BJP asserted that all legislators have made it clear to their party top brass in New Delhi that Jammu has been ignored over the past 25 years and it is time to cash in on the mandate people have given to the party.”
“Our point is that all regions must get their due share. The Chief Minister has to be from Jammu as well for three years as that would be the only way to ensure justice with the people who voted for us. The PDP and NC must understand that a Chief Minister belongs to every citizen of the State. So there is no question of Hindu or Muslim Chief Minister,” said a BJP legislator, wishing not to be named.
Asked whether BJP was comfortable with the Governor’s rule, if it comes to that, he said if things don’t materialize, let it be.
Senior BJP leader and in-charge Kashmir affairs Ramesh Arora said PDP must take its time to ensure stable government is formed. “If they are not in hurry, we too are not in a hurry,” he said. “Negotiations take time. We want no compromise on any issue.”