Sajjad Lone unhappy with ‘low-key’ portfolios in J&K govt, refuses to take charge

The newly-appointed Mufti Mohammad Sayeed-led government in Jammu and Kashmir continues to court controversies after reports on Wednesday claimed that Peoples Conference leader Sajjad Lone is miffed with the ‘low-key’ ministries being allocated to him and has refused to take charge.

Lone is likely to resign if he does not get ministries according to his preference.

He has already given up the facilities which are given to the ministers of the state government including official residence and vehicle.

Lone also left for Srinagar from Jammu today morning.

Lone was allotted the Science and Technology and Animal Husbandry portfolios in the recently sworn in Jammu and Kashmir government.

The Mufti Mohammad Sayeed-led government has been in the midst of controversy since it was sworn in last week.

Sayeed stirred debate shortly after being sworn-in when he thanked people from across the border, Hurriyat and militant outfits for smooth elections in the state.

His daughter and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti later defended her father’s statement.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MP Muzaffar Baig had also commented that the beginning of alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party and PDP was not on a good note.

“It is not a promising beginning but I am still hopeful,” he was quoted by PTI.