‘NOT SHOCKED’ by BJP’s withdrawal: Mehbooba

20/06/2018



SRINAGAR, Jun 19: After resigning from the post of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister on Tuesday, Mehbooba Mufti said she was "not shocked" by the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) exit from its alliance with the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
"I am not shocked. We didn't do this alliance for power. This alliance had a bigger motive," Mufti said shortly after submitting her resignation to Jammu and Kashmir Governor Narinder Nath Vohra.
"Following the BJP's withdrawal, I have submitted my resignation (as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir) to the Governor. The alliance was formed against the wishes of the people, yet Mufti Mohammad Sayeed formed this alliance with a vision. We though BJP is a very big party, which came to power on a strong mandate. We thought this (alliance) would help us solve the different issues of the state," Mufti said.
She added that the basic motive of the alliance was "reconciliation, dialogue with the people of Kashmir, promoting confidence-building measures and good relationships with Pakistan."
"All these were the agendas of the alliance. When the BJP and PDP got the mandate in Jammu and Kashmir, the biggest apprehension in people's mind was over Article 370, special status to the state," Mufti further said.
BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav, while addressing a press conference in the national capital, announced the end of the BJP-PDP government in Jammu and Kashmir.
"We have taken a decision, it is untenable for BJP to continue in alliance with PDP in Jammu and Kashmir, hence we are withdrawing," Madhav said.
The differences between the BJP and the PDP cropped up following the Centre's decision to resume anti-terror operations in the state, which were suspended during the holy month of Ramzan.
"Terrorism, violence and radicalisation have risen and fundamental rights of the citizens are under danger in the Valley. Shujaat Bukhari's killing is an example. Keeping in mind the larger interest of India's security and integrity, the fact is that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. In order to bring control over the situation prevailing in the state, we have decided that the reign of power in the state be handed over to the Governor," Madhav added.
Madhav further alleged that the PDP did not show a whole-hearted effort to control ceasefire violation from across the border.
"Centre did everything for the Valley. We've tried to put a full-stop to the ceasefire violations by Pakistan. The PDP has not been successful in fulfilling its promises. Our leaders have been facing a lot of difficulties from the PDP in developmental works in Jammu and Ladakh," Madhav said.
With the PDP-BJP coalition falling apart, the state might come under the Governor's rule.
Mehbooba addressed a press conference in Srinagar moments after she submitted her resignation to Governor NN Vohra on Tuesday.
She resigned as J&K Chief Minister after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called off its alliance with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the terror-affected state.
"We had always said muscular security policy will not work in J-K, reconciliation is key. We will continue to strive for dialogue and reconciliation in J-K, alliance with BJP was not for power," Mufti was quoted as saying.
"This alliance had a bigger motive- unilateral ceasefire, PM's visit to Pakistan, withdrawal of cases against 11,000 youth," Mufti said.
"I submitted my resignation (as J&K CM) to the Governor and told him that we are not looking to explore any other alliance," she added.
Mehbooba Mufti, said her state isn't "enemy" territory, and that a "muscular policy" won't work there.
“I am not shocked (by BJP exit). We didn't do this alliance for power. This alliance had a bigger motive- unilateral ceasefire, PM's visit to Pakistan, withdrawal of cases against 11,000 youth,” she said while addressing reporters at her Gupkar residence.
arlier in the day, BJP National General Secretary RAM Madhav addressed the media in the national capital and said, "We have taken a decision, it is untenable for BJP to continue in alliance with PDP in Jammu & Kashmir, hence we are withdrawing".
The decision to break alliance with PDP comes days after the Centre revoked unilateral Ramzan ceasefire in the Valley. Sources said that Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti was not happy with Centre's decision to resume anti-terror operations in the Valley.

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