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| Despite denial by BJP, change of guard in J&K to take place anytime soon | | | Muhammad Mukaram
Early Times Report
Srinagar, Nov 15: Though BJP has denied that its alliance partner PDP's president Mehbooba Mufti was replacing her ailing father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed as Chief Minister of J&K, speculations are rife that the change of guard will take place anytime soon.
"Chief Minister Mufti is expected to go on a three month leave for a health check-up towards the end of December. Mehbooba will certainly replace him as CM," PDP sources insisted on Sunday.
Last week Early Times had exclusively reported that Mehbooba would soon take over as CM of J&K. Mufti, when asked about the report during a press conference in Jammu, did not deny it. He rather endorsed the report, saying that his daughter Mehbooba was capable of leading the coalition Government.
"It's a democratic process. Mehbooba has been working in the field as party president. She has represented an Assembly constituency and currently represents a seat in Lok Sabha, so she deserves this," said Mufti. He said Mehbooba enjoyed acceptance across the state. "She is in constant touch with people of the State and it is due to her deliberations, PDP has gained faith of masses in Jammu region also," he said.
PDP's chief spokesman Mehboob Beig also dropped broad hints that Mehbooba was all set to replace her ailing father as the CM. Mehbooba, he said, has played a pivotal role in the PDP since the inception of the party. "She has worked hard and is capable of taking on the challenge," Baig said.
Apparently, BJP is eyeing Home Ministry and Finance Ministry as additional charges before agreeing to the change of guard, sources had told Early Times. However, BJPs National Vice-President Avinash Rai Khanna denied plans of change of guard in the state.
PDP sources have also told Early Times that the party is holding high-level meetings to ensure smooth transfer of power. A similar meeting on Saturday was skipped by Member of Parliament Tariq Hameed Karra, the key rebel in the party.
Sources said Abdul Rahman Veeri may hold a ministerial berth for Floriculture, Gardens and Parks, a charge held by Altaf Bukhari as of now. The party insiders also revealed that Minister for Education Sayeed Naeem Akhtar Andrabi may be given the additional charge of Minister for Tourism, which is currently held by the Chief Minister.
Notably, business tycoon-turned-politician Altaf Bukhari is all set to lose his two key portfolios-Floriculture, and Gardens and Parks, leaving him only one ministry of Roads and Buildings.
Sources said there was serious resentment in the PDP camp as "some ministers were enjoying extraordinary powers."
"We believe Ministerial reshuffle would be a good step," sources added. |
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