Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Mar 8: Maintaining that ‘Agenda of Alliance’ between PDP and BJP is itself an assurance, former Deputy Chief Minister and BJP Legislature Party leader, Dr Nirmal Singh today expressed the hope that PDP will take the call for Government formation in the State.
Talking to reporters here, this morning, Dr Singh claimed that no fresh conditions have been kept by PDP as the ‘Agenda of Alliance’ which was framed after keeping the aspirations of the people in all three regions of the State in view is sacred for both the parties.
Replying to a volley of questions from media persons regarding PDP president Mehbooba Mufti’s demand of granting more CBMs, Dr Singh said he does not know whether she has kept any condition as ‘Agenda of Alliance’ is sacred for both the parties.
Asserting that Centre fully backed to fulfill the ‘Agenda of Alliance’ he said, Rs 80,000 crore special package sanctioned by Narendra Modi Government last year is the first step in this direction and a major CBM also.
In response to a question that PDP chief, Mehbooba Mufti herself agreed that the alliance framed by her father and former Chief Minister of the State, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed with BJP is written on stone (Pather Ki Lakeer) then where is the problem and why the Government formation is being delayed by PDP, Dr Singh said PDP can better answer it. However, he expressed hope that some thing tangible will materialize soon.
Responding to another question that delay in Government formation has created an uncertainty in the State and it will have an impact on the people and whether BJP has conveyed this to its alliance partner, Dr Singh said that PDP is itself thinking on these terms.
He made it clear that 80 percent of ‘Agenda of Alliance’ is to be implemented by the State Government and Centre has fully backed the State in its implementation. “The Prime Minister while sanctioning the special package for the State last year had announced that its coffers are open for the people of the State and only the State has to provide utilization certificates as PM showed willingness and magnanimity to provide more funds also”, he added.
He said that there is no harm in reviewing the progress on ‘Agenda of Alliance’ and had Mufti Sayeed been alive the coalition too would have reviewed it.
Dr Singh said that two months were taken in framing the ‘Agenda of Alliance’ which he termed a historical document and every thing was minutely discussed by the leaders of two parties before wetting it. “The Agenda is for six years and there are many issues on which both the parties have different perceptions but we have to work together and find out the solutions”, he added.
While referring the 10 -month long progress of previous coalition under Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, he said for furthering the ‘Agenda of Alliance’ the installation of a democratically elected Government is important. The people also appreciated the work of coalition during 10 months as many public welfare projects were announced for the State, he added.
Dr Singh said the previous coalition was all set to implement Rs 1194 crore and Rs 2000 crore Central package for refugees but due to the sudden demise of Chief Minister and imposition of Governor rule it could not be done.
When asked whether PDP leader has apprehensions on Article 370, AFSPA and Article 356A, he said that every thing is in ‘Agenda of Alliance’ and BJP will do nothing outside it.
Highlighting the steps taken by the previous coalition Government for the development of the State, he said Centre in principle has agreed to construct 24 major roads in the State including two National Highways in Jammu region and a detailed project report has to be submitted.
He said the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in principal on his request has given approval for declaration of roads from Dayalachak-Dinga Amb-Chalan-Udhampur and Lakhanpur-Mahanpur-Basholi-Dunera-Punjab as new National Highways in J&K.
Besides the Centre Water Commission, Ministry of Water Resources has asked the Chief Engineer I&FC Jammu to prepare DPRs as per the MOWR, RD&GR, Government of India guidelines on the flood management protection works along the banks of river Tawi as has been discussed in a meeting with former Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh in August last year.
Dr Singh said under this project river Tawi will be developed on the pattern of Sabarmati.
He said even Defence authorities have recommended and given their approval for upgradation of the Dhar -Udhampur axis and development of alternate rail link as proposed by him. He said Lt. Gen K J Singh has recommended that the road link if upgraded from presently planned NHDL specifications to an expressway, it will serve as an alternative for induction of forces into J&K and result in overall development of the region.
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