Jammu, February 6
The President of the National Conference, Mr Omar Abdullah, told mediapersons here today that his party was committed to get back that constitutional position which existed in the state prior to 1953.
He said the Left front at the Centre has already expressed its support for the restoration of greater autonomy and since the Congress-led UPA Government cannot survive without the support of the Leftists “we are hopeful that our demand for greater autonomy will be conceded.”
The Centre has already constituted a team for discussing the demand for greater autonomy with the National Conference leadership .The NC too has constituted a team comprising Mr Abdul Rahim Rather and Mr Ali Mohd Sagar, former ministers, for negotiations with the Centre.
Inside reports said the NC leadership was convinced that its success in winning the majority in Srinagar civic elections was the result of people’s support for greater autonomy. Hence it has decided to persue the matter with greater vigour.
And interestingly, the BJP, which stoutly opposes the demand for greater autonomy, has kept its doors open for negotiations on securing NC support for the BJP’s hunt for securing the coveted mayor’s post in Jammu municipal corporation.
The BJP President, Dr Nirmal Singh, told mediapersons here today that “our doors for negotiations with the NC are open.” The NC has six members in the 71-member Jammu corporation and it can tilt the scale either in favour of the BJP or the Congress. The Congress has won 27 seats and the BJP 26. Nine Independent candidates could have easily helped either of the two to win the battle for mayorship but they are a divided lot. The BJP President, said “we are in touch with the NC and the Independent candidates.”
The BJP leaders met the Governor today informing him that in case the Congress resorted to winning the Mayor’s post by nominating more members to the corporation, he should intervene.
Dr Nirmal Singh said, nominated members, as per the law, cannot vote during election to the mayor’s post. Mr Omar Abdullah said, “It may take a minute or two for us to decide which party we will support because we have not to wait for clearance from Delhi.”
