SRINAGAR: Continuing to play the guessing game on government formation in Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said only time can tell when the next government will be formed in the State.
Mehbooba addressed the PDP workers’ convention at the party headquarters here before launching the party’s membership drive. Governor’s rule was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir on January 8, a day after the death of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, PDP patron and former Chief Minister of PDP-BJP coalition government.
Mehbooba has refused to take over as Chief Minister of PDP-BJP government unless she gets some assurances from the Centre. Asked about her recent meeting with BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav, Mehbooba told reporters, “I think that is something that only time can tell.” Ram Madhav had met Mehbooba in Srinagar last week and the two leaders discussed government formation in the State. Mehbooba, an MP from South Kashmir Lok Sabha seat, also said Budget session of Parliament is starting on February 23 and she is going to attend it. “I am an MP and will attend the session. I will also ask questions,” she said.
It clearly indicates that government formation in the State will be delayed till the end of the Parliament session. Mehbooba’s statement contradicts that of Ram Madhav, who had said the talks were positive and both parties were in favour of continuation of the arrangement.
On the ongoing JNU row, Mehbooba asked politicians and the media not to pronounce verdict on the students accused of raising anti-national slogans. “I hope Constitution will be followed. It should be left to the court. Political parties should stop advocating someone’s innocence or guilt,” she said.