Never talked about equal share in government: Nirmal Singh

Jammu: With Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra inviting Mehbooba Mufti to form a new government in the state after a gap of almost three months, former deputy chief minister and Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) leader Nirmal Singh on Saturday said they never talked about equal share in government and the agenda of alliance was their basic document.

“Everything is unconditional. We never talked about equal share. Since the beginning, the agenda of alliance is our basic document,” said Singh.

When asked if the government is being formed on the agenda of alliance, then why it took almost three months for them to reach a consensus, he said: “I was clear since the beginning, but some of our colleagues wanted some more clarity. They moved ahead after their satisfaction. Now things are fine and we will form the government and run it successfully for five years.”

Asked whether there was a discussion on distribution of ministries at the two-day state executive meeting, as it came ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, Singh said: “The executive meeting is a routine affair, which takes place after every three months. There will be coming political and economic resolutions; besides the executive will also analyse the party’s work in the past and chalk out plans for the future.”

“As far as the constitution of the ministry is concerned, the swearing-in is taking place in Jammu and Raj Bhawan will issue a notification in this regard. We are having discussions on who will be ministers and what will be the shape of the ministry, and you will come to know about it on April 4,” he added.

Mehbooba, who is set to become the first woman chief minister of the state, will be sworn-in on Monday at 11 A.M.. She will be the 13th Chief Minister of the state.

State Governor N.N.Vohra has issued invitation to her to form the new government.

PDP sources said that Mehbooba is likely to hold discussions with her party leaders and leader of BJP Legislative Party Nirmal Singh on composition of the ministry and distribution of portfolio on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the BJP leadership headed by National General Secretary Ram Madhav is said to have finalised the list of ministers and portfolio.

After the meeting in Jammu last night,.Madhav told mediapersons that all issues between the two parties have been sorted out. (ANI)