No sign of any moves towards govt formation in J&K

 There was no sign of any moves today towards government formation in Jammu and Kashmir with the BJP saying that it was waiting for the first move by its coalition partner PDP which, however, maintained a mysterious silence.

BJP, whose delegation met Governor N N Vohra in Jammu, was of the view that since the seven-day official mourning period was ending today, there will be forward movement on the government formation in the state which is under Governor's rule since last Friday following the demise of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

"We had received a letter from the Governor asking us about our views on the government formation. I said that the coalition partner PDP needs to take the call," BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh told reporters after meeting Vohra.

Insisting that there should not be "any doubts" over the future of the coalition, he said, "The way the situation is. They need time and we are giving them. We feel the positive results will come very soon in next few days."

He said, "Since there is a coalition government, it is up to PDP to decide after the demise of Mufti Sahab and we will move forward accordingly."

PDP leader Naeem Akhtar, on the other hand, said, "We have not yet begun the formal process of consultations on government formation in the state. A decision on the issue can only be taken after the consultations get underway."

He refused to comment whether the PDP will continue its alliance with the BJP or look at other alternatives as well.

Sources in the PDP said party chief Mehbooba Mufti has directed party leaders not to speak to media on the issues related to government formation till the formal consultations are held within.

The delay in government formation has led to speculation about a possible renegotiation on the terms and conditions for the alliance to continue between the PDP and the BJP.