PDP and BJP have come to consensus; PDP founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to be the Chief Minister and BJP leader Nirmal Singh to be the deputy CM
The political deadlock over who forms a government in Jammu and Kashmir seems to have come to an end. Sources say, after a month of poll results being declared, the PDP and BJP have come to an agreement and are ready to form a government.
BJP national executive council member and MLA from Billawar, Nirmal Singh, told The Indian Express, "We have almost reached a consensus to form the next government with the PDP. J&K will soon have a stable government headed by a mature politician and a good cabinet team."
PDP founder, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is set to take over as the Chief Minister post. Sayeed has served the CM of the state previously between 2002-2005. The BJP has compromised for the post of Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Nirmal Singh is being considered for this post.
The election results were announced on December 23, 2014. PDP was leading with 28 seats followed by BJP with 25 seats. No party had managed to reach the halfway mark and was unable to form government. There were talks between PDP and BJP to join hands and form a government, but it was never finalised. The state has been under governor's rule since.
But sources say that the PDP and BJP would jointly form a government in mid-February post Delhi assembly elections. It is also said that PDP will will take over the Home and Finance portfolios, while BJP will have the posts of Deputy CM and Assembly Speaker under their wings. People's Conference Chairman, Sajjad Lone, will also be a part of the Cabinet under BJP's quota.
PDP and BJP leaders have met Governor NN Vohra to discuss various topics. But the BJP has insisted on focusing on good governance and welfare of people instead of debating on topics like AFSPA and Article 370. The formal announcement is reportedly expected on February 7, 2015.
PDP and BJP, who are together fighting for four seats in Rajya Sabha, have not discussed the contours of the cabinets or portfolios.
The PDP wants the swearing-in ceremony to take place around February 15, to avoid the date to coincide with the death anniversaries of Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhatt.
Reacting to these reports, National General Secretary of BJP, tweeted the following:
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