Srinagar/Islamabad (Anantnag), Sep 10: President State Congress Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz Monday said that no political party can form Government in Jammu and Kashmir without his party’s support.
“The situation is such that no political party in J&K state can form the Government in future without the support of Congress,” Soz told Greater Kashmir.
About the possible Cabinet expansion, Soz said the decision of induction of new faces was the prerogative of Congress high command.
Earlier, talking to reporters in Islamabad (Anantnag), Soz said the circumstances had forced Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take over the two portfolios of Education and R&B. He however asserted that the two portfolios belong to Congress and will be soon returned to the party.
The portfolios of Education and R&B were earlier held by Congress leaders Peerzada Muhammad Sayeed and G M Saroori respectively. Syed was divested of his portfolio after his name surfaced in alleged paper scam involving his foster son while Saroori was forced to resign after allegations of impersonation in examination involving his daughter.
Reacting to Union Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah’s statement that the Centre will not go to the separatists with a begging bowl for talks, Soz said that the NC leader has own ideology. “Dr Farooq can clarify what he said,” he said.
However, he said, “Congress party has an inclusive approach and we believe in taking everyone on board irrespective of their party affiliations and ideologies as to ensure long lasting peace in the state.”
While addressing public gatherings in south Kashmir, Prof. Soz said the new developments in the sub-continent is the beginning of an era of friendly relations between India and Pakistan starting with adoption of CBMs such as relaxation of visa regime. Prof. Soz, however, qualified his hope by emphasizing that Pakistan leadership has to show a political will to dismantle the militant infrastructure in their country.
Prof. Soz revealed that many CBMs were in the pipeline and the entire process would be consolidated through the Pakistan visit of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh sometime later this year.
Minister of Revenue, Raman Bhalla also addressed the gatherings and urged the people to strengthen the Congress party. Ghulam Nabi Monga, Gulzar Ahmad Wani, Anayatullah Rather also addressed the gatherings.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 10 Sep 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 10 Sep 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 IST