Governor's rule to continue in Jammu and Kashmir: Ram Madhav

Accusing the NC and the PDP of trying to scuttle the democratic process, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav has asked them to clear stand on whether they would participate in state assembly elections or boycott them, like they did during the local bodies polls.

Asked about any proposal to dissolve the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Madhav said the Governor's rule will continue till the middle of December and what happens next will be discussed then.

"We are happy with it and that is why BJP has decided to continue the Governor rule for sometime," he said at a function here to felicitate the newly-elected BJP councillors late last night.

Under the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, there is no provision for extension of Governor's rule. Sources have told PTI that the central government might recommend a spell of President's rule in Jammu and Kashmir when the Governor's rule expires on December 19. 

Without naming the NC or the PDP, Madhav said their hypocrisy stands exposed as they first boycotted the ULB polls but are now pressing for dissolution of assembly for fresh elections.

"On one hand they say they will not take part in elections to safeguard Article 35A, on the other, they demand dissolution of assembly and fresh elections. Tomorrow if assembly elections are held, will you will fight or go by your boycott?" he said.

The BJP leader asked if the two parties decide to participate in the state polls, "what will happen to Article 35A, which you used as a pretext to stall the ULB elections."

He, however, said he welcomes the parties to take part in the democratic process but wants "them to give up hypocrisy".

"They took part in (Ladakh autonomous hill development council elections) in Kargil polls but boycotted the ULB polls to scuttle the democratic exercise. However, people taught them a good lesson and forced them to take part in panchayat polls," Madhav said.

On the sidelines of the event, the BJP leader also said the Indian security forces are fully capable of facing any challenge from Pakistan in an "appropriate manner", his comment coming after three Army soldiers and a porter were killed in sniping incidents along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir in a week.

Asked whether the time has come for another "surgical strike" across the border, he said the security forces would review the situation and "whatever is required will be done by them".

Praising the Governor's administration, Madhav said a very good atmosphere has been built in the state. "Terrorism is being dealt with strictly and it (operations against terrorists) will continue," he said. 

He said people are acknowledging the work done Governor Satya Pal Malik.

About resignations of some BJP councilors in Kashmir, he said people are also joining the party in large numbers. "Those who have resigned will be brought back," he said.

Sensible of Ram Madhav to clear air on govt formation in J&K: Omar Abdullah

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah Wednesday said it was sensible of BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav to clear the air about government formation in Jammu and Kashmir, which is under governor's rule since June.

The former chief minister was reacting to Madhav's statement that the BJP had decided the governor's rule should continue in the state for some more time.

"Sensible to clear the air about imminent government formation. There are far too many middle men and power hungry people trying to convince everyone in J&K that their entry in to the secretariat is imminent," Abdullah tweeted.

At a function in Kathua Tuesday night, Madhav had reportedly said that since the governor's rule was imposed in the state there had been development in all sectors. 
"Even the public is happy. So, the party has decided that the governor's rule should continue for some more time," he had said.

Jammu and Kashmir was placed under the governor's rule on June 19 after the BJP pulled out of its coalition with the PDP and no alternative front staked claim for government formation.

However, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was placed in suspended animation, leaving doors open for efforts for fresh government formation.

As per the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, the state would go under direct President's Rule on December 19 if the present situation continues.