The Hindu : New Delhi News : Congress-PDP ties touch new low in J&K

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Saturday, Sep 08, 2007
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New Delhi

New Delhi

Congress-PDP ties touch new low in J&K

SRINAGAR: The strained relations between Jammu and Kashmir ruling alliance partners PDP and Congress on Friday hit a new low with PDP accusing Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad of violating the coalition dharma by divesting its Minister Qazi Mohd Afzal of portfolio without consultations.

Azad, however, said Afzal had been consulted and agreed to the stripping of his portfolios of forest, environment and ecology.

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti said the Chief Minister had violated the coalition dharma by not consulting her party leadership before taking away the forest portfolio from Afzal.

“The ball is in the court of Chief Minister and he should talk to the PDP high command to repair the damage caused to the coalition”.

Qazi, who remains in the Cabinet as Urban and Housing Minister, had submitted his resignation yesterday, which was promptly rejected by the Chief Minister on the grounds that he had been consulted before taking the decision.

Qazi found himself cornered after the Chief Minister made it clear in his letter that the Minister had been consulted before taking off the Forest portfolio.

“I had discussed the matter with you before taking the decision and I had advised you to let me keep this portfolio for sometime to clear the mess (in forest department) and then return it to you after sometime,” Azad said adding Qazi had gladly agreed to this arrangement.

In a hardening of stand, Afzal asked the Chief Minister to resolve the issue of alleged violation of coalition dharma before he takes back his resignation. PTI

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