J&K govt formation: Ram Madhav to hold talks with Mehbooba Mufti to break impasse

PDP wants the central government to make some concessions on its Kashmir-centric political agenda, including relaxation of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

Ram Madhav, J & K govt, Maharaja Sayajirao University, BJP, J & K cabinet, gujarat news

Ram Madhav, who had played a key role in forging alliance with PDP, may meet her after the 40-day mourning period following Sayeed’s demise ends next week. (Source: Express Archive)

To break the ice and speed up the government formation process in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav will meet PDP president Mehbooba Mufti in Srinagar on Saturday.

Sources in BJP said Madhav will hold talks with the PDP chief at the Muftis’ Fairview residence. This will be the first official meeting between the PDP and BJP at top level.

Sources said it is likely that the meeting will pave the way for formation of the government in the state. Before Madhav’s arrival in Srinagar, the top state leadership of BJP has been invited to Delhi for talks.

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Sources said that former deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh, state president Sat Sharma, MP Jugal Kishore and BJP state general secretary Ashok Kaul will be meeting BJP president Amit Shah.

Sources said the BJP state leaders have already asked the party central leadership to initiate steps for formation of the government.

Mehbooba Mufti has been reluctant to form the government before Centre takes some confidence building measures. Sources said the BJP leadership has agreed to include some points, especially related to financial stability to the state. Sources said some CBMs may be included in the Union budget.

Both PDP and BJP leaders have termed Agenda of Alliance as a sacred document but PDP leaders, including Mehbooba, have blamed the BJP for slow implementation of the points.

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