Good news soon, says PDP leader

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Altaf Bukhari said on Wednesday that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will soon get "good news" regarding government formation in the state.

Speaking to the media, Bukhari said there would soon be "good news" as the PDP, the Congress and the National Conference had decided to form a secular alliance.

Bukhari earlier called on National Conference Vice President and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss the modalities of government formation.

G.A. Mir, President of the state Congress, told IANS: "It is not only in J&K, but throughout the country that the Congress is working for secular forces to come together to defeat the designs of the BJP.

"The development taking shape in J&K would always be welcome," he added.

Sources close to the PDP said leaders of the three parties were likely to call on Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday or Thursday to stake claim to form a government.

The sources said both Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah had declined to accept the Chief Minister's post.

With PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti also expressing reluctance for the top job, Altaf Bukhari, a former Minister, has emerged as the dark horse for the Chief Minister's post. - IANS