New Delhi: The deadlock between the PDP and BJP continued on Tuesday over the two crucial issues of Article 370 and Armed Forces Special Powers Act. While both the BJP and PDP said the talks over government formation in Jammu and Kashmir are in the final phase, and all issues would be sorted out soon, sources said if the talks failed, the Centre could appoint advisers, including for political issues, to state governor N.N. Vohra.
The PDP has demanded a written assurance from the BJP that AFSPA will be revoked, even if in a phased manner, and also that the “present constitutional status” of the state (read Article 370) will be maintained.
The RSS has warned the BJP that there should be no dilution in its stand on both issues. The revocation of Article 370 is an article of faith with the BJP and RSS, while the PDP has been told that AFSPA is a security requirement and non-negotiable.
Meanwhile, the Congress and the National Conference have started talking about fresh polls in the state as it has been more than a month after Assembly election results were declared and the state had to be placed under Governor’s Rule.
The BJP and PDP leaders are trying to come up with a Common Minimum Programme (CMP) on whose basis they will run the coalition government. However, Article 370 and AFSPA are main trouble areas where both are finding it hard to agree.
Senior RSS leader Indresh Kumar even cautioned the BJP not to compromise on its stand on both issues.
“Fanaticism and separatism are not healthy for the country. Why are separate Constitution and flag given to the people of Jammu and Kashmir? When asked, the people of Jammu and Kashmir say no other state has a separate flag but they are progressing, we aren't....
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir should look towards Delhi and not Islamabad...People have voted for ballot and Delhi, both parties will respect this in their agreement,” said Mr Kumar.
Sensing the RSS leader's statement could create problem with the PDP, BJP general secretary and one of the key negotiators with PDP, Ram Madhav said, “Efforts are on to secure a comprehensive CMP as far as possible.”
When asked about the RSS leader’s comments, he said the party was talking to everyone “be it Sangh or any other party that is related to the state. We talk to some selected people only and that is why, you may be seeing some different statements emerging from other leaders who are not in the know of developments"
When asked to comment on delay in the government formation, Union minister Jitendra Singh said, “There are certain authorised leaders within the party, who are holding deliberations and discussions on the issue of the government formation in the state and only they can comment on that.”
