No differences with BJP: PDP

Jammu, March 26

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dubbed claims of there being differences with coalition partner Bharatiya Janata Patry (BJP) over distribution of portfolios in the new government “rumours”.

"There are no differences (between PDP and BJP). At a time when the government formation is in the process, rumours (on differences on distribution of portfolios) are baseless," PDP chief spokesman Naeem Akhter said.

He said both parties would sit together to decide when the new government should be sworn in.

"We will sit together and decide the date for oath-taking. There are absolutely no differences between the two parties," he said.

Akhter said the two parties would meet the Governor at 4:00 pm to stake claim to establish a government.

The BJP unanimously decided to support PDP's chief ministerial candidate Mehbooba Mufti on Friday and elected former deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh as its legislative party leader.

MoS in PMO and BJP MP Jitendra Singh said on Friday there was never a “breakdown in the coalition” between BJP and PDP.

The state government has been under Governor’s rule since January 8, a day after its former chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti’s father Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, died.  — PTI