•During the last elections, the NC emerged as the single largest party, but you preferred to sit in the Opposition for want of majority. What will be your stand in case of a hung verdict this time?

We hope there is no hung verdict as people have seen the disaster that a coalition government can create in the state. In the entire six-year period of the coalition government, I hardly remember any period when there were no fights in the Cabinet meetings. Even minor postings and transfers were not possible. Governance was hostage to swinging moods of the Congress and the PDP. In 2002, we did not stake claim as we were the party in power that had not been given the mandate. As we are not the party in power today, all options are open to us.

•What will be the first thing that you would like to do if your party is voted to power?

It is essential to bring out a white paper on the financial mismanagement during the coalition rule so as to make people get some sort of accountability from the past government. In view of allegations of discrimination levelled by people in one region against another, I would also like to appoint at least a retired Supreme Court judge to examine all aspects of planning, fund allocation, actual expenditure, investment in private and public sector, employment and representation in government.

•How do you compare the PDP's self rule document with your party’s greater autonomy as a possible solution to the Kashmir issue?

... contd.