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BJP-PDP talks trip on Afspa revocation
The BJP-PDP government formation has allegedly hit a road block over the former’s demand of partial revocation of AFSPA.
The BJP-PDP government formation has allegedly hit a road block over the former’s demand of partial revocation of AFSPA.
Sources say the two parties are trying to arrive at a consensus on contentious issues such as Article 370 and AFSPA.
“While the BJP has agreed to most things, our party is insisting on wanting to word the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) a certain way. It’s the written document which is causing some trouble,” said a PDP source privy to the dialogue.
Sources say while both parties have agreed in principle to revocation of AFSPA from peaceful areas, whether to call it withdrawal or revocation in the CMP was causing the trouble. The two parties are also trying to reach a common ground on Article 370.
Although leaders insist the dialogue process with BJP was not affected by the outcome of the Delhi polls, insiders insist PDP is in a better bargaining position.
Back-channel negotiations had been fast tracked with top PDP leadership in Delhi. Though the Mehbooba faction insists she was in Delhi to attend the reception of Amit Shah’s son, insiders say the trip is more to do with finalising CMP.
