Peaceful J-K polls due to those who trust in Const: BJP on Sayeed remark

Refusing to be drawn into the row over J-K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed's remarks crediting people across the border and separatists for the peaceful polls in the state, BJP today said the exercise had been successful due to the efforts of the Election Commission and Indian Army and of those who believe in the Indian Constitution.

"The peaceful poll in Jammu and Kashmir was conducted with the support of the Election Commission and other security agencies, including state police, besides those who believe in the Indian Constitution," said BJP National Secretary, Shrikant Sharma.

Maintaining that the people of J-K want peace and development as they look to take their state forward on the path of progress, he said that the new PDP-BJP coalition government will try to fulfil these aspirations through good governance by following its Common Minimum Programme.

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, he added.

Stoking a controversy soon after taking oath as the J-K Chief Minister, Sayeed said credit must be given to the "people from across the border" -- an oblique reference to Pakistan -- Hurriyat and militant outfits for letting a conducive atmosphere prevail for the Assembly polls.

The remarks have drawn sharp reactions, including from National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, Sayeed's predecessor in the chief minister's post.