BJP leaders go into huddle after Mebhooba's hard talk; Governor seeks final word on govt formation

Amid the tussle between the BJP and the PDP on continuing the coalition in Jammu and Kashmir, the core group of state BJP met in Jammu on Monday to discuss the political situation in the state.

The meeting comes a day after PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti asserted that her party would have to reassess whether it can continue its alliance with the BJP to form a government in the state.

The BJP too, is playing hardball as it has reportedly renewed its demand of rotational chief ministership for the state.

The meeting - held in Gandhi Nagar - saw participation of core group members, including former Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, former ministers, MPs and the BJP Jammu and Kashmir unit president, Satpal Sharma. He told ANI:

"We decided in the meeting that two to three people from core group also talk to centre. We will meet Governor NN Vohra tomorrow evening."

After a four-hour long meeting with party leaders on Sunday , Mehbooba had said that the PDP would take a call on government formation as and when it was confident that Mufti Mohammed Sayeed's vision and mission would be carried forward and implemented in letter and spirit. Mehbooba had said:

"The Government of India shall have to take substantive measures towards implementation of the PDP-BJP 'Agenda of Alliance' in the interest of peace and stability in J-K and for this PDP needs a set timeframe to be worked out".

According to reports, Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra has told both the parties that they must clarify by tomorrow evening whether they will form a government in the state again. Both parties will meet the governor tomorrow.

The new government is yet to be formed even three weeks after the death of former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on 7 January.

- With inputs from Agencies