This Article is From Dec 27, 2014

No Compromise on Our Ideology, Says PDP in Guessing Game in Jammu and Kashmir

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti (centre) addressing a press conference after her party's win in Assembly election in Srinagar. (Press Trust of India photo)

Srinagar: Amid the hectic negotiations to cobble up a majority to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir, the Peoples Democratic Party today said that there is no question of the party compromising on its ideology and that government formation in the state could take some time.

"We are not looking to be in government for the sake of power. All options are open, we can take offer of support from anybody with respect," PDP chief spokesperson Naeem Akhtar told NDTV today.

Both the parties are likely to meet the state's Governor NN Vohra on Thursday to discuss government formation. Yesterday, Mr Vohra wrote to the two parties asking them to submit their proposals on forming the government.

When it meets the Governor, the BJP is expected to ask for some more time to stitch together numbers. Sources said it will inform the Governor that it has the largest post poll alliance in the state and is likely to submit a letter of support from independent legislators.

The BJP has been claiming the support of six of the seven independents who won. But Omar Abdullah's National Conference claims it has the backing of at least two and the Congress says four of the Independents support it.

The BJP has won 25 of the state's 87 seats - three less than the PDP. Both are well short of the halfway mark at 44 seats and need allies.

"PDP or NC (National Conference) should come forward to form a stable government... we are exploring the option of how best to form a good government so that we can deliver," said the BJP's Ram Madhav to NDTV. (Speaking to All Stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir, Says BJP's Ram Madhav)

While Mr Madhav said on Friday that the party is holding talks with both the PDP, headed by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, and the National Conference, the latter has reiterated an offer of support to arch rival PDP. (Srinagar's Open Season: PDP Raps Leader for 'Unauthorised' Talks With BJP)

Devendra Rana of the NC said, "We have made an offer to the PDP to form the government... we are ready to provide them with unconditional support... to ensure that they have a majority. Our numbers add up and they will form a stable government with adequate numbers to prove majority on the floor of the House."

This followed as offer on Twitter by Mr Rana's boss Omar Abdullah.


The Congress, which came fourth with 12 seats, has offered the PDP its support to keep the BJP out. (Jammu and Kashmir: BJP-National Conference or People's Democratic Party-Congress?)

Numerically, only a PDP-BJP alliance can touch the halfway mark without the support of Independent legislators.

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