SRINAGAR: The saffron party BJP is discussing Common Minimum Programme (CMP) with the parties that it is holding discussions for formation of coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir, senior J&K BJP leader said.
“BJP central leaders are discussing CMP with the parties they are involved in discussion in the State for forming a credible and stable government in the State,” senior J&K BJP leader and newly elected MLA Dr Nirmal Singh told Express.
Without specifying which of the two regional party PDP and NC, BJP is involved in talks, he said some progress has been made in the talks and parties are trying to reach consensus on CMP, must for government formation.
BJP vice president and general secretary Ram Madhav met senior PDP leader and MP Muzaffar Hussain Baig, separatist-turned-mainstream politician Sajjad Lone and leaders of some other parties during his stay in the Valley.
Asked whether saffron party was discussing rotation of CM’s post with the parties, Nirmal replied in positive. “We have got strong mandate in Jammu and we are second largest party. We would like CM be from our party”.
“This and some other issues are being discussed. However, our priority is providing stable and credible government with focus on development, which has been our agenda,” Nirmal said.
Sources said there has been some forward movement on talks between PDP and BJP and both parties are discussing CMP.
“We are hopeful that the deadlock on government formation would break and next government would be formed soon,” Nirmal said.
He said the mandate has been given for good governance and it has to be respected by all parties. “Aspirations of people of the State have to be respected and priority should be to strengthen democracy”.
The electorate in the State has given a fractured mandate with none of the parties getting absolute majority. PDP has emerged as single largest party with 28 seats in 87-member J&K Assembly. BJP is close second with 25 seats followed by National Conference and Congress with 15 and 12 seats respectively. Sajjad Lone’s People Conference has won two seats while five independents have also won.