Omar asks Mufti to take charge as CM or dissolve assembly in J&K

Srinagar: In the midst of uncertainty over government formation in Jammu and Kashmir, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has asked Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti to propose dissolution of the state Assembly for fresh elections – if unwilling to take charge as Chief Minister.

In a letter to Mufti, Omar, said, "If you (Mufti) are unwilling or unable to take charge as Chief Minister please propose for dissolution of state Assembly, and let the people make a fresh decision in an election."

"No state should be denied an elected government, but I took some consolation from the belief, alas mistaken, that central rule would be a short-lived affair and you would take over after the four days of mourning," he said.

"The flood victims expected to see a bigger flood relief package; industry expected to see the return of power projects; contractors expected to see more money for development; and unemployed youngsters expected to see more jobs. Civil society was heartened to read that you were negotiating to ensure that divisive issues like the attack on our flag and threat to our special constitutional status would end," the working president of the National Conference (NC) to Mufti.

"People close to you, or pretending to be close to you, started to spin your reluctance as a negotiating tactic. It was made known that the alliance was teetering on the brink of an abyss. The Agenda for Alliance, the final policy document bequeathed to you by Mufti Sahib, had been ignored by your allies and you were angry," his letter reads.

Omar asked Mehbooba what she was waiting for when her party's alliance with the BJP stands and no fresh negotiations are taking place.

"So why is the state under central rule? What are you waiting for, Mehbooba? The people of the state cannot wait for you to make up your mind," the letter reads.

Taking a jibe at the PDP leader, the former chief minister said what Mehbooba has clarified is that "the Agenda for Alliance is 'a sacred document', the same document that only a few days ago had been termed a failure by your own senior colleague.

"Your (Mufti) fear cannot be grounds enough to deny the people an elected government," it said.

(With inputs from PTI)