BJP says Rs 80,000-cr relief part of CBMs

In an attempt to woo the “annoyed” PDP leadership for restitching the alliance, the BJP today said the Rs 80,000-crore package was the first step towards “restoration of confidence” and would be followed by more sops from the Centre.
Interestingly, this package announced by the Prime Minister was purely meant for rehabilitation of the 2014 flood victims, but the saffron party attempted to give the impression that these funds were part of the confidence-building measures (CBMs) to send a feeler to its coalition partner for early formation of the government.
“The PDP has said the ‘Agenda of Alliance’ is sacred. And the major feature of restoration of confidence is the Rs 80,000-crore package, which is just the beginning,” said former Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh while briefing the media today.
The PDP now needs to soon take a call on government formation, he added.
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Nirmal said the Centre has opened its coffers for Jammu and Kashmir and was ready to give it any amount on the condition of timely submission of Utilisation Certificate.
PDP chief Mehbooba in her recent statement had claimed that her father’s decision was the final word for her. “I don’t want to do anything that would prove my father’s decision wrong,” she had said.
Mehbooba also said she was not “stubborn” and was ready to face criticism if the continuation of the alliance was in favour of people of J&K.
The former Deputy Chief Minister said there were no conditions between the former coalition partners and the PDP should come forward by electing its legislative leader and begin the process on forming the government.
Earlier, Nirmal gave a detailed account of the coalition’s achievements over 10 months. He highlighted the BIP’s efforts for securing 24 roads and two national highways for Jammu.
He mentioned his meeting with Central ministers on exploring possibilities for having an express highway.