Won't give up our principles for alliance with BJP, says PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed

The stage is all set for the first ever coalition government between the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) in terror-plagued Jammu and Kashmir.

Have PDP, BJP agreed on a coalition?
Ending suspense, PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, who is tipped to be the next chief minister, confirmed that the informal talks with BJP is on and they are working on the common minimum programme (CMP), which will form the basis for the governance.
"We are in track two negotiations with BJP. We may differ in our vision and priorities but an attempt is being made to find a common ground so as to evolve consensus on all issues to carry forward the peace process and political and economic agenda", Mufti said.
PDP is nominating senior party leaders to hold structured dialogue with BJP in a bid to shape up the alliance and form the government in J&K

What's BJP's take?
Confirming that the talks with PDP are on, the BJP said the breakthrough is expected very soon. "Process is on and we are expecting a breakthrough soon", Ramesh Arora, BJP in-charge for Kashmir affairs told dna.

Why has Mufti spoken now?
The timing was chosen craftily given that Rajya Sabha polls for four seats are being held on February 7. PDP has fielded only two candidates leaving room for BJP to field and win two other seats from the state. Mufti also chose the day when his 55 year old daughter Mehbooba Mufti was re-elected the president of the party.

Will it be a strong govt?
PDP emerged as the single largest party winning 28 seats in the recently concluded polls. BJP came second winning 25 seats, all of them from Jammu division.
A formation needs 44 members in the 87 member House to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir was placed under the governor's rule on January 8 following Omar's decision to step down as the caretaker chief minister.

Is PDP ready for give and take?
"Our alliance with any political party will be based on principles and policies. I assure you and the people of Jammu and Kashmir that I will never sell my mandate and will not compromise on the basic, issues on which the people have reposed trust on PDP, just for the sake of power", Mufti said.
Calling for revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act in time bound manner, Mufti said the requirement of such special powers to the forces no more exist in view of the drastic decline in militancy. "PDP is clear on the issue that it does not want just an assurance for the sake of assurance on this subject but a proper plan to see that the law is repealed at the earliest", Mufti said.

Has PDP reached out to PM Modi?
Praising prime minister Narendra Modi for making right beginning by inviting Pakistan premier Nawaz Sharif for his swearing in, Mufti regretted that this positive initiative was stalled soon by calling off the foreign secretary level talks.
"It is clear that any hostility between India and Pakistan has a direct impact on Jammu and Kashmir and its people. We want that peace should prevail on the borders and within in the state. We want to bridge the gap between the two neighbouring countries for ensuring peace in the region", he said.