KL Report
SRINAGAR
Sajad Gani Lone has refused to join the council of ministers in PDP-BJP government against allocating him an “insignificant” portfolio of animal husbandry department.
Sources said that Sajad Lone of the Peoples Conference (PC) has refused to join the council of ministers because he was miffed over allocation of the animal husbandry department portfolio to him by the chief minister.
Mufti assigned portfolios to his ministers last evening.
Sources said that Lone instead of attending his office in winter capital Jammu chose to fly back to the Valley.
PC sources while confirming the reports said that Lone has surrendered all entitlements including security, official vehicle and other perks given to him as a cabinet minister.
They said Lone is flying back to Srinagar today.
However, sources said that Lone has not resigned from the council of ministers and a decision to this effect will be taken after he meets party rank and file.
Lone, according to his party men, was unhappy over allotment of what he believes, “an insignificant portfolio like animal husbandry”.
Former separatist leader who joined the electoral fray and won state assembly elections from north Kashmir Handwara constituency last year immediately allied with the Hindu nationalist party BJP and he has been included in the cabinet on BJP quota.
However Lone said that he was not unhappy. When asked about the reason of leaving for Srinagar, Lone said to KNS, “I have a very important personal engagement in Srinagar.”
KNS reported that Lone was under pressure from Peoples Conference workers for accepting charge of “less important” portfolios. “So Lone has decided not to attend his office and any cabinet meetings.”
Quite childish.No department is insignificant.It is one’s mind that makes things significant or otherwise.