Srinagar: Two years after the National Conference-led government took office in Jammu and Kashmir, its council of ministers is still waiting to be expanded — and the party's president says the wait is tied to the Lieutenant Governor's health.
"The Lieutenant Governor was not well. He was sick. When he returns, there will be an expansion of the government," NC president Farooq Abdullah told reporters in Budgam district, referring to LG Manoj Sinha, who has been away from the Valley. The NC-led government completed two years in office on October 16.
Asked about reports that the Lieutenant Governor could nominate five members to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the former chief minister said there was no clarity. "These are all conjectures. Various things are being said from different quarters, but nothing has emerged yet," he said.
On reports that NC MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi might resign, he said the decision rested with the parliamentarian. "If someone wants to resign, they will resign," he said.
Farooq Abdullah also criticised the delay in restoring statehood. "The Central Government had promised that statehood would be restored after the Assembly elections. The elections were held nearly two years ago. What has happened to that promise?" he asked. He said NC MPs had met the Union Home Minister in January and were assured that business rules defining the powers of the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government would be introduced. "Ten months have passed, but the business rules have still not been introduced," he said.
The division of powers between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor has long been contested in Jammu and Kashmir, and the NC has repeatedly objected to the delay over business rules. Within the party, the argument is that a delayed cabinet expansion is holding back both administration and cadre.