Peace, development is our agenda: Mehbooba Mufti

“We want to work for maintaining the communal harmony and brotherhood of the regions of the state, which has a diverse population of different religions. The agenda of peace, development and reconciliation which was promised by my father Mufti Sayeed,” Mehbooba told reporters in Jammu after staking claim for government formation with the support of BJP today.

“I am very happy that for over two months there was reiteration of agenda of alliance from both the sides (PDP and BJP). Mufti Sahab has not forged this alliance for a larger purpose than just for governance,” Mehbooba said.

“Jammu and Kashmir is not like any other state. You need to address things politically, economically. For that we have drafted agenda of alliance and I am happy that BJP at its highest forum and in Parliament reassured that they are committed by the agenda,” she said.

“Prime Minister has assured his complete support to the government for peace, reconciliation and development to make Jammu and Kashmir a showcase window for the whole world,” she said.

BJP and PDP had joined hands last year after no party got a majority in state elections. The PDP is the largest party with 28 seats - now 27 following Sayeed’s death - in the 87-member house. The BJP is second with 25 seats.

Jammu and Kashmir is under the Governor's rule from Jan 8 after Mufti Mohammad Sayeed passed away on Jan 7 in New Delhi and Mehbooba Mufti did not step forward to stake claim to form the government owing to differences with the BJP, the alliance partner in the previous government.

(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)