Srinagar; 19 June 2018
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has pulled out of the alliance with People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, and Mehbooba Mufti and her team of ministers have sent in their resignations to the governor.
There were reports that PDP was unhappy with the Center's decision to revoke the month-long suspension of the ceasefire which was in force during the holy month of Ramzan.
Addressing the press in Srinagar, Mehbooba said, "I submitted my resignation to the Governor and have told him that we are not looking to explore any other alliance... We had formed the alliance with BJP because we shared a grand vision. It took us many months to form an alliance whose prime focus was reconciliation and dialogue."
She added, "I am not shocked... We didn't do this alliance for power. This alliance had a bigger motive - unilateral ceasefire, PM's visit to Pakistan, withdrawal of 11,000 cases against the stone pelters... We always said muscular security policy will not work in J&K, reconciliation is the key... We have safeguarded Article 370 and 35-A (of the Constitution) and we will continue to do that."
However, BJP leader Ram Madhav said, "We have taken a decision, it is untenable for BJP to continue in alliance with PDP in Jammu & Kashmir, hence we are withdrawing."
Citing the assassination of Rising Kashmir's editor Shujaat Bukhari's, Madhav said, "Terrorism, violence and radicalisation have risen and fundamental rights of the citizens are under danger in the Valley. Shujaat Bukhari killing is an example." The veteran journalist was shot dead in Srinagar by unidentified assailants last week.
"In order to bring control over the situation prevailing in the state we have decided that the reigns of power in the state be handed over to the Governor…”, said Madhav.
Former J&K Chief Minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday that they will not be forming a coalition government in the state. He also called for fresh Assembly elections soon. "I met the Governor. I told him that National Conference didn't receive the mandate to form the government in 2014 and we don't have the mandate in 2018 also. We haven't been approached and we aren't approaching anyone," he said, addressing the media.
"I have told Governor that since no party has the mandate to form the government, he will have to impose Governor's rule in the state. We also requested the Governor that Governor's rule should not remain imposed for a long time period. After all, people have the right to choose their government. Fresh elections should take place and we will accept the mandate of the people," he added, as per ANI.
Following Governor Vohra report to the President for the imposition of Governor's rule under Section 92 of the Constitution of J&K, President Ram Nath Kovind has approved the imposition of Governor's rule in Jammu and Kashmir with immediate effect. The move came within 24 hours of the breakdown of the ruling BJP – PDP alliance in the state.
