J-K govt formation: PDP will have to take first step, says BJP

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday put the onus on the People's Democratic Party over the formation of a new government in Jammu and Kashmir, and said that they do not have any objection to PDP president Mehbooba Mufti becoming the chief mkinister.

"Can't tell you till when the new govt. will form...Under Mufti sahab's leadership we came together to form a stable government for Jammu and Kashmir which was development oriented. We are in favour of continuing with this arrangement. The first step will have to be taken by the PDP," BJP leader Ram Madhav told ANI.

"The Mufti family is in mourning now which is why the decision from their end is taking time. Like I have said before, we are in favour of Mehbooba as chief minister; we have no objection to work together with the PDP. We have not spoken yet on Jammu and Kashmir government formation -- whatever you have heard so far is mere speculation," he added

Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh had earlier rubbished rumours of the PDP setting tough conditions for the BJP if they want to continue the alliance in the state.

The PDP's reaction came a day after Congress president Sonia Gandhi met party chief Mehbooba at her Fairview residence in Srinagar. Congress leaders Ambika Soni and Ghulam Nabi Azad were also present in the meeting, which lasted for around 20 minutes.

Following Mehbooba Mufti's refusal to be sworn in as the new chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir at present, Governor's rule has been imposed in the state.