BJP clarifies Mufti Sayeed’s remark

Mufti’s statement has embarrassed the party, admitted a BJP leader. “With this remark, the PDP patron has exposed his politics on the very first day,” the leader said.

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Sharma added that the people of J&K want peace and development as they look to take their state on the path of progress. “Our coalition government will try to fulfil these aspirations through good governance by following the Common Minimum Programme,” he said. As it undertakes efforts to put the state on the path of development, the new government will also ensure that J&K is brought into the national mainstream, Sharma said.

BJP leaders also reiterated that the party has not made any “compromise” on its stance on the controversial AFSPA. “The Centre will decide on it and its word will be final,” the leader said.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad contested Sayeed’s claims, saying the credit for the elections must go to the people of the state, the armed forces which maintained a tight vigil on the border and to Election Commission. “And, above all, to the Indian democracy,” he said.

Azad said it was not right to say that Pakistan and militant groups provided a conducive atmosphere for elections by lying low. “How can the new government forget the killing of several sarpanch and the suicide attack at an Army camp in Uri in which officers lost their lives. In fact, Pakistan and militant groups tried their best to destabilise the democratic process in the state,” he said and added that it was for the BJP now to explain its new found ally’s position.