Roundup: India's ruling BJP forms coalition government in Indian-controlled Kashmir

India' s ruling Hindu nationalist Bhartiya Janta Party(BJP) on Sunday formed a coalition government in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir, thereby marking the first time it has held leadership positions in the predominantly Muslim-majority region.

The region's Governor N N Vohra on Sunday administered oath to patron of regional pro-India Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammed Sayeed as chief minister of the region, and BJP leader Nirmal Singh as his deputy.

The 79-year-old Sayeed will be heading a coalition government with BJP in the restive region.

Apart from Sayeed, 23 other legislators (from PDP and BJP) were administered oath as ministers of the coalition during an official function at an auditorium in Jammu city, the region's winter capital.

The coalition government ended the 49 days of India's direct rule in the region imposed in wake of the political deadlock following hung verdict in the local elections in December.

This is for the first time that rightwing BJP has rose up to rule the predominantly Muslim majority region.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and senior BJP leaders LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi among others.

Authorities had made stringent security measures across Jammu ahead of this high-profile ceremony and Modi's visit.

PDP and BJP, though ideologically different, held negotiations over last two months to forge a common ground to run an alliance government in the region.

The coalition between the two parties was reached after they failed to win the majority single-handedly during the region's elections.

Sayeed will be the chief minister of the state for the full six- year term of the government as per agreement between the two.

The PDP and BJP hold divergent views on main issues pertaining to the region like withdrawal of military from the restive region, special powers to military personnel that protects them from charges of murder and rape in the restive region, special status to Indian-controlled Kashmir in Indian constitution and resumption of talks with neighbouring Pakistan, which administers a part of the divided Kashmir.

Coalition partners said they would be running the government on commitments mentioned in common minimum program (CMP), which is likely to be made public later Sunday evening.

PDP emerged as the largest party winning 28 seats during elections, followed by BJP with 25 in their kitty.

The National Conference ended up getting 15 seats, while as the Congress party and independents won 12 and seven seats respectively.

Indian-controlled Kashmir is a Muslim majority region with 87- strong assembly (lawmaking body).The two parties BJP and PDP together have 53 seats, much enough than the required majority mark of 44.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.

A guerilla war is going on between militants and Indian troops stationed in the region since 1989. Gunfight between militants and Indian troopers takes place intermittently in the restive region. Endi