PDP seeks assurance from BJP on Article 370 and AFSPA

SRINAGAR: The stalemate over government formation in Jammu and Kashmir continued for the fifth day today as PDP sought assurance from BJP over certain issues like safeguarding Article 370 and revocation of AFSPA which form the core agenda of the regional party.

"All options are still open, no decision has been taken yet on formation of government in the state with any other party," PDP spokesperson Naeem Akhter told PTI here.

He said the leadership of PDP, which emerged as the single largest party in the assembly elections, was discussing all its options for government formation including an alliance with the BJP.

"There are certain issues which form our core agenda and require an assurance that these will be accepted by our potential alliance partner, whichever party it might be," he said.

Akhter said his party's stand on safeguarding Article 370, which guarantees special status to Jammu and Kashmir within the Indian union, was non-negotiable.

He also said that the party was committed on revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the state, besides initiating a political process for resolution of Kashmir issue.

Asked if his party would consider the demand for rotational chief ministership from any future alliance partner, the PDP spokesman said the negotiations have not reached that stage with any of the parties.

He said Congress has also given a proposal for government formation to the PDP which is under the consideration by the party.

On the National Conference's offer of unconditional support to PDP for government formation, Akhter said his party has received no such communication so far from its arch rival.

"As and when such an offer is received we will surely discuss it and decide the future course of action," he said.

Meanwhile, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti said only Akhter is authorised to articulate the party's views in the media on policy matters.

"The statements of the Chief Spokesman (Akhter) should be taken as the stated position of the party on various policy issues.

"In the prevailing hazy political scenario, unqualified comments in the media only add to the confusion and fuel wild speculation," Mehbooba said in a statement.

She said as a responsible political party, the PDP will take not only its cadres but the people of the State on board before arriving on any decision regarding the future course of action.

"I want to assure my party cadres and the people that whatever decision is to be taken will be taken in the larger interest of the State and its people," the PDP president said.

She said the mandate given by the people to the PDP to represent the political aspirations and economic interests of all the regions and sub-regions of the state would be represented and valued in adequate measure.