Srinagar: BJP-PDP deadlock over government formation in Jammu and Kashmir seems to be getting resolved now as both the parties are narrowing down their differences on the two major issues of Article 370 and AFSPA. According to media reports, a breakthrough is expected in this regard on Tuesday.
While trying to come out with a common minimum programme (CMP), both the sides, otherwise holding different opinions on the above-mentioned two issues, are now seen busy trying to work out a middle way that takes care of the sensibilities of their respective constituencies without appearing to be any sell-out by either side.
According to a Times of India report, a top BJP functionary has revealed to the daily, “Both the parties have started dialogue and are in the process to form a government as soon as possible ... However, there are certain issues which have to be settled before government formation."
Earlier, on Monday, PDP has issued an 11-point charter statement to BJP for inclusion in CMP. Media report states that BJP accepted AFSPA falls in the state government's domain and it can withdraw the Disturbed Areas Act at any time.
Also Read: J&K: PDP submits 11-point proposal to BJP for government formation in the state
However, BJP maintained that it would do so if the Army agrees to be a party to the issue.
It is learnt that both the parties are quite keen to “discover mutually agreeable phrases on sticking points” and BJP is in a haste to have a government in place much before the budget session.
Further, it is known that BJP has in principle agreed on a six-year term for PDP patron Mufti Mohammed Sayeed while the party will provide them a deputy CM, Nirmal Singh, in return.
Reportedly, BJP has 25 MLAs and PDP has 28 MLAs and the PDP's members in dialogue are - Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Tariq Hameed Qarra, spokesman Nayeem Akhtar, and MLAs Haseeb Drabu, Altaf Bukhari and Vikramaditya Singh.
