The ball is in PDP's court, says BJP over power-sharing

Ram Madhav

New Delhi: Amid suspense over government formation in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP yesterday put the ball in PDP's court, saying the Mehbooba Mufti-led party has to take the first call and made it clear that it wanted the existing power-sharing arrangement between the two parties to continue.

Ram Madhav

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav also rejected as "mere speculation" the reports that both parties have put up fresh conditions and asserted that no political discussion had started between them as Mehbooba Mufti was in deep mourning.

Asked about the uncertainty, he said, "PDP can answer this question...it is for PDP to take the first call from their side. They have to decide about their leader and come forward. I hope they take a decision soon so that this kind of uncertainty ends."

Asked about Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's meeting with Mehbooba, Madhav quipped, "What transpired (between them) I do not know but I am tempted to believe that it was to express condolence." With the mourning period over on Sunday, BJP expects political discussion within PDP to start now following which it will respond accordingly, he said.