Guv rule to continue in J&K, says Ram Madhav

KATHUA, Nov 14: Accusing the NC and the PDP of trying to scuttle the democratic process, BJP general secretary Ram Madhav has asked them to clear stand on whether they would participate in state assembly elections or boycott them, like they did during the local bodies polls.
Asked about any proposal to dissolve the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Madhav said the Governor’s rule will continue till the middle of December and what happens next will be discussed then.
“We are happy with it and that is why BJP has decided to continue the Governor rule for sometime,” he said at a function here to felicitate the newly-elected BJP councillors late last night.
Under the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, there is no provision for extension of Governor’s rule. Sources have told PTI that the central government might recommend a spell of President’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir when the Governor’s rule expires on December 19.
Without naming the NC or the PDP, Madhav said their hypocrisy stands exposed as they first boycotted the ULB polls but are now pressing for dissolution of assembly for fresh elections.
“On one hand they say they will not take part in elections to safeguard Article 35A, on the other, they demand dissolution of assembly and fresh elections. Tomorrow if assembly elections are held, will you will fight or go by your boycott?” he said.
The BJP leader asked if the two parties decide to participate in the state polls, “what will happen to Article 35A, which you used as a pretext to stall the ULB elections.”
He, however, said he welcomes the parties to take part in the democratic process but wants “them to give up hypocrisy”.
“They took part in (Ladakh autonomous hill development council elections) in Kargil polls but boycotted the ULB polls to scuttle the democratic exercise. However, people taught them a good lesson and forced them to take part in panchayat polls,” Madhav said.
On the sidelines of the event, the BJP leader also said the Indian state forces are fully capable of facing any challenge from Pakistan in an “appropriate manner”, his comment coming after three Army soldiers and a porter were killed in sniping incidents along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir in a week.
Asked whether the time has come for another “surgical strike” across the border, he said the state forces would review the situation and “whatever is required will be done by them”.
Praising the Governor’s administration, Madhav said a very good atmosphere has been built in the state. “Militancy is being dealt with strictly and it (operations against militants) will continue,” he said.
He said people are acknowledging the work done Governor Satya Pal Malik.
About resignations of some BJP councilors in Kashmir, he said people are also joining the party in large numbers. “Those who have resigned will be brought back,” he said.

No assembly walkover to BJP: Omar

Srinagar, Nov 14: The former chief minister and National Conference (NC) Vice president, Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that the parties who boycotted the recently held ULB and upcoming Panchayat polls won’t give Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) a walkover in the assembly elections.
Omar was reacting to a statement made by BJP General Secretary, Ram Madhav over two regional parties who boycotted the elections including NC and PDP regarding their demand of dissolving assembly in Jammu and Kashmir, which continued to remain under suspended animation from July this year.

NC Vice president in a tweet said that BJP has got the control of a handful of towns and cities as NC and PDP stayed away from the polls and due to the poor performance of Congress, who fought the elections.

He asked Madhav that “do you really think that NC and PDP will give a walkover in the assembly polls.”
“You got the control of a handful of towns & cities because NC & PDP stayed away (and the Congress did such a poor job of putting up a fight) do you really think we will give you a walkover in the Assembly polls?,” Omar tweeted.

Govt can be formed before or after 2019 Lok Sabha polls:Koul

Srinagar, Nov 14: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday said that the saffron party will form the government if required number of 19 MLAs come forward for government formation.
BJP State Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul said “if the required number of 19 MLAs comes to us for formation of a new government we will stake claim to form the government.”
When asked which party and individuals would come their way for formation of a new government in Jammu and Kashmir, Koul said “gates are open and we have already a trusted ally Sajad Gani Lone of Peoples Conference who can be given a pivotal role in the formation of a new government in the state.”
When asked how long it will take the saffron party to get the required numbers, Ashok Koul said “it can happen before 2019 Lok Sabha elections or after Lok Sabha polls.” (KNS)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Kashmir Monitor staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)