The BJP on Sunday said it was in touch with several Peoples Democratic Party legislators who were in favour of government formation in Jammu and Kashmir, but added it would “never” accept new conditions for alliance put forth by its president Mehbooba Mufti.
“Several PDP legislators who are in favour of government formation and who also don’t want midterm polls are in touch with the BJP leadership,” BJP legislator Ravinder Raina said.
The Nowshera MLA said the party would stick to the Agenda of Alliance agreed upon with the PDP a year ago, adding that any deviation would amount to disrespecting the late Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
“I have come to know that she [Mehbooba] has put forth new conditions, but the BJP will never accept them,” he said.
He said the BJP had “several options” to form a government, if the alliance with the PDP breaks down, but would disclose them “when the time comes.”
The need of the hour for both the alliance partners was to form a government based on mutual trust and respect the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir regions, he said.
“People of Jammu gave a thumping majority to the BJP while people of Kashmir voted for the PDP, hence it is time for both the parties to provide a democratically elected government to the people, as Governor’s rule is no substitute to it,” Mr. Raina said.
Asked whether the BJP would encourage defection within the PDP, he said his party would do no such thing.
Mr. Raina said the BJP would not “surrender” its ideology and would follow its “nationalistic policies,” including in Jammu and Kashmir.
