Srinagar: Chief Minister-designate Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was on October 29 unanimously elected leader of the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) legislature party in Jammu and Kashmir and he would stake the claim to form a PDP-led coalition government on October 30.

Mufti, who was elected leader of PDP legislative party at a meeting of party MLAs in Srinagar, will call on state Governor, G C Saxena around 5 pm on October 30 and stake claim for the government formation with Congress, National Panthers Party, CPM (Communist Party of India-Marxist) and independents as coalition partners.

Pradesh Congress president and its legislative party leader, Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is scheduled to arrive in Srinagar on October 30 is expected to accompany Mufti to the Raj Bhavan.

The swearing-in ceremony of the new government is taking place on November 2 at 13:15 hours.

Interacting with media-persons after the meeting, the PDP supremo sought the help of the Central government to help usher in peace with honour to the troubled border state.

"We seek help from the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) government at the Centre to help Jammu and Kashmir restore its lost peace with full honour," he said.

About the election promise of PDP for a dialogue with separatists, Mufti said the state government would persuade government of India for unconditional talks with all sections of the state's political thought.

Stressing that his coalition government would follow the Common Minimum Programme in its governance, Mufti said "Kaun banega CM was not the issue... implementing the manifesto of PDP was the bigger issue."

Mufti said his government would promote NGOs to start a campaign and provide a healing touch to the people.

PTI