KL Report
SRINAGAR
After hectic ‘informal’ deliberations, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) have finally agreed to enter into the structured dialogue from Monday.
Sources told KNS that the first round of formal talks was likely to be held on Monday and Mufti Syed led government would take oath six days later on February 22. “All the contentious issues have been resolved and both the parties have even shared the drafts. The formal announcement of the agreement was expected on Monday,” they said.
Sources within both the parties confirmed to KNS that the government would be formed on February 22 and all arrangements have been finalized.
“The committees are in place and the first formal meeting is likely to be held on Monday at Jammu. I think, the date for oath ceremony has been fixed on Feb 22,” a senior PDP leader, who is part of the five member committee that would hold negotiations with BJP, told KNS on the condition of anonymity.
“Mufti Muhammad Sayed would be chief minister for six full years, whereas Dr Nirmal Singh from BJP was likely to be his deputy,” he said and clarified that the two parties have also worked out the distribution of portfolios.
However, a senior PDP leader wishing anonymity told KNS that nothing can be said with confidence, though everything has been finalized as of now. “Unless done, nothing is done,” he said, adding that Mufti doesn’t seem in hurry.
“Mufti was even willing to wait more because that will not have any bearing on his six year term. He (Mufti) doesn’t want to make any haste. BJP has more problems than PDP to face if government is not made soon,” the leader told KNS.
He, however, added that the situation was uncertain though both parties have resolved all the contentious issues as of now.
