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Kashmir : Congress-PDP relations touch new low |
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Relations between the two main coalition partners in the state, the Congress and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have touched a new low over the Chief Minister’s action in divesting a PDP Minister Qazi Mohd. Afzal of his portfolio without consulta¬tions. The PDP said Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has violated the coalition dharma by his action. Azad, however, said Afzal had agreed to give up 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 leader¬ship before taking away the forest portfolio from Afzal.
“The ball is in the court of the 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 Min¬ister, had submitted his resignation, which was promptly rejected by the Chief Minister on the ground 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.
Sharp differences at working group meeting
There were sharp differences of opinion at the meeting of the working group on Centre-State relations appointed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Chaired by retired Justice Sagheer Ahmed, the working group is deliberating on issues pertaining to devolution of powers, methods of strengthening democracy, secu¬larism and rule of law and regional imbalance in development.
The proposals presented to the working group so far include a demand for self-rule for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, restoration of pre-1953 status and abolition of Art. 370 of the Constitution involving full integration of Jammu and Kashmir into India.
BJP for scrapping Art. 370
The BJP in its presentation to the working group on Sept. 2 reiterated its demand for scrapping Art. 370 saying that it had created a psychological barrier between a constituent State and the Union of India. Party leader Arun Jaitley said that the provision also acted as a deterrent for potential investors and prevented the state’s economic development. He said the BJP was firmly committed to complete integration of the state with the Indian Union.
Jaitley also wanted decentralization of governance in Jammu and Ladakh regions.
The National Conference opposed the BJP demand for abroga¬tion of Art. 370. NC leader Abdul Rahim Rather, speaking on Sept. 3, described Art. 370 as a bridge between the State and the Centre. It grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir. He pointed out that Art. 370 was incorporated after deliberations between late Sheikh Mohd. Abdullah and the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
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