Jammu & Kashmir: Congress leader appeals to PDP, BJP to form government

As stand-off over government formation in Jammu and Kashmir entered 16th day, state Congress on Thursday appealed to PDP and BJP to shed "reluctance" and enter into an alliance to provide a "popular government to lead the state forward".

Former JK minister and senior Congress leader Sham Lal Sharma said that those given mandate by the people of the state should form the government. "Those given mandate should form government. PDP and BJP, if enjoy the mandate, should not be reluctant but perform their democratic duties to provide a popular government.

"All the developmental works are at standstill and certainly need a popular government to lead the state forward," Sharma said. The former minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, asked the parties to "avoid political vacuum in sensitive and troubled state like ours."

Sharma said that Congress has already extended its unconditional support to PDP for a popular government formation. The two-time Congress MLA also expressed serious concern over the situation at border with Pakistan after a spate of ceasefire violation. The results of the state Assembly elections were declared on December 23.

PDP emerged as the single largest party with 28 seats. BJP got 25 MLAs and ruling NC got 15 seats. Congress ended up with 12 seats.