File photo: PDP's Mufti Mohammed Sayeed
The BJP and the Peoples Democratic Party or PDP are "almost through" with talks over government formation in Jammu and Kashmir after weeks of intense negotiations, according to sources.
The two sides, sources say, have arrived at a consensus over the common minimum programme or CMP on the basis of which they can govern the state together; it was their opposite stands on contentious issues, including Article 370 and the Armed Forces Special Powers Act or AFSPA, that had created hurdles so far.
The PDP, sources say, has softened its stand on AFSPA which gives the Army the authority to make arrests without warrants. The party, led by Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, had earlier reportedly sought a time-bound phased withdrawal of AFSPA from the Valley and had suggested that the mechanism could be reinstated if necessary. Sources say no timeline has been set for its revocation under the present agreement; a decision on its withdrawal will be based on security assessment.
Sources also say that there is no direct reference to Article 370 - seen as vital for the autonomy of the state by residents - in the Common Minimum Programme. The PDP, which swept the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley in the assembly polls last year, has been firmly opposed to any attempt to weaken Article 370 which makes the consent of the state government necessary for laws except those related to defence or national security. There is only a nuanced mention of J&K's constitutional position in the draft text, according to sources.
In the past, BJP leaders have suggested that the need for Article 370 should be debated because it promotes separatism.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet Mr Sayeed in the next few days, say sources. A final call on the matter is likely to be taken after that meeting.
In assembly elections held nearly two months ago, J&K delivered a hung verdict - the PDP got the maximum seats, the BJP was close behind winning its best-ever result in India's only Muslim-majority state; its gains were made entirely in the Hindu-dominated Jammu region.