PDP, BJP meeting governor to work on govt formation

Governor, N N Vohra Monday asked PDP and BJP to clarify their stand over government formation following the differences between coalition partners over implementing the commitments in the Agenda of Alliance in a time-bound manner.

Sources said the Governor has written to the two parties asking them to clarify their stand on government formation to end the political uncertainty prevailing in the state since the death of former Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on January 7.

The state has been under Governor’s rule since January 9 when the proclamation was issued by the government to this effect.

PDP President, Mehbooba Mufti Sunday sought fresh assurances from New Delhi over the implementation of Agenda of Alliance stating that the impact of good work done by her father, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, on governance front was lost due to lack of progress on other issues in the coalition agenda.

Among other things, the alliance agenda seeks return of power projects run by National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC) in J&K to the state besides review of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

Raj Bhawan sources said the Governor has summoned PDP and BJP leadership on Tuesday at 4: 30 pm and 6 pm respectively to clarify the situation over government formation.

“Since PDP is the single largest party, the BJP with its allies claim to have the maximum number of seats in the state the Governor will offer them the opportunity to form the government. This is a constitutional requirement and consultations will be held with other political parties later in case the deadlock continues,” said a source.

BJP chief spokesperson, Sunil Sethi confirmed that the Governor has called the party leadership for the meeting. “Party leaders including the state president, Sat Sharma, MP, Jugal Kishore Sharma, and former Deputy Chief Minister, Nirmal Singh will meet the Governor tomorrow at 6 pm. They have gone to meet the BJP national president to brief him about the current political situation in the state,” he said.

Sources said in the meeting Governor will get an idea whether to go for vote on account or a full budget. Earlier, the Governor asked the state government officials to remain ready for the full Budget which signalled that the government formation would get delayed, but sources said Vohra is likely to go for vote on account and would like the popular government to take the consent of the legislature to pass the  budget.