SRINAGAR: Continuing to play 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, who attended and addressed the PDP’s workers convention in party headquarters in Srinagar today to launch party’s membership drive, told reporters that only time can tell when the government will be formed in the State, which is presently under Governor’s rule.
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 government. Mehbooba has refused to take over as CM of PDP-BJP government unless she gets some assurances from the central government.
When asked about her recent meeting on government formation with BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav in Srinagar, Mehbooba said, “I think that is something that only time can tell.”
Ram Madhav had a one-on-one meeting with Mehbooba in Srinagar last week and the two leaders discussed the government formation in the State.
Mehbooba, who is MP from South Kashmir Lok Sabha seat, said the parliament session is starting on February 23 and she is going to attend it. “I am an MP and will attend the session. I have also asked questions”.
It clearly indicates that government formation in the State will be delayed till the end of parliament session.
Mehbooba’s statement contradicts Ram Madhav’s statement, who had said the talks were positive and both parties favour continuation of the arrangement.
Earlier, while addressing the party workers, Mehbooba said coming to power is not her destination and goal.
"If we feel, we can realize the dreams of Mufti Sayeed, then only it is worth it trying. However, if the situation continues as it is then it is of no use. In that case for me inheriting people of the state is enough for me,” she said adding “Mufti Sahab’s legacy and inheritance was the people of the state. For me too, my inheritance is you. I have nothing with me. You are my property”.
Vowing to carry forward the mission and vision of her father of ushering peace, stability and prosperity in J&K, Mehbooba said PDP has established clear political priorities and “we would continue our struggle to seek resolution of the multiple problems faced by Jammu and Kashmir on political, economic, administrative and financial fronts”.
The PDP president said after fractured mandate of people in 2014 assembly elections, Mufti took an atypical decision of aligning with BJP as he knew Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has a decisive mandate at his back and he can revive the peace and reconciliation process in the State and the region.
“My father was ready for electoral loss but wanted to take the people of the state out of this uncertainty. He was of the belief that PM Modi with such a huge mandate can take the state out of its troubles if he is able to convince him about the need for India-Pakistan friendship and resolution of outstanding issues," she said and adding that her father was of firm belief that resolution of the problems of Jammu and Kashmir is possible only in the paradigm of cordial ties between India and Pakistan.