BJP puts counter conditions for PDP amid talks of alliance's future in Jammu and Kashmir: Sources

BIJBEHARA (J&K): Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing fast-paced political developments after reports that the PDP-BJP alliance is under strain following the death of chief minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed earlier this week.

Sources have told Times Now that Mehbooba has set tough conditions for the BJP if they want to continue the alliance. According to sources, the PDP has made it clear that it can't give the deputy chief minister's post to the BJP, it has also asked for more central assistance and and asked its alliance partner to avoid speaking on sensitive issues.

The BJP, sources say, is keen on continuing in the government along with its alliance partner but has put some counter conditions for Mehbooba Mufti. One of those conditions is rotational chief minister ship - a proposal which has been rejected by Mehbooba Mufti, sources said. The lawmakers of PDP are engaged in a meeting in Srinagar to discuss government formation in the state.

BJP leader and deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh has, meanwhile, expressed confidence that BJP's alliance with PDP will continue in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the party has written to Governor NN Vohra saying it will have a discussion on whatever decision the PDP takes.

"Till now we all were in mourning. We will see. There have been no discussions on that (government formation), (but) it is expected that the way things were going earlier, that (alliance) would continue. I am praying that we soon have a system in place," Singh said.

The BJP leader said no discussions on government formation have taken place so far because of the customary four-day mourning period following the demise of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. The mourning period ended today.

"Everyone is sad and mourning. After this, we will start discussions," he said.