As the PDP and BJP are preparing for oath taking ceremony on April 4, the parties are holding consultations at their respective leadership levels on finalizing the list of ministers who will be sworn-in at Raj Bhavan in Jammu.Peoples Democratic Party leadership is holding consultations in Srinagar on finalizing the list of their ministers who will shape the new government under the next chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti. Sources told KNS that that the PDP president is holding consultations with senior party leaders and MPs, Tariq Hameed Karra and Muzaffar Hussain Baig, at her Fairview residence in Gupkar to finalise the list.Sources said that the two senior leaders met the PDP president Friday afternoon separately to discuss the list of the ministers from the party.Sources said that the final list is likely to be framed a day before the oath taking ceremony and then will be submitted to Governor N N Vohra.The oath taking, that will be low key, will be held on April 4 in Rajbhavan in Jammu where BJP president, Amit Shah, is likely to attend.
Amitabh Matoo, who was political advisor to former chief minister late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said that the PDP president and will take oath as CM on April 4.“Mehbooba Mufti Sahiba will be sworn-in as CM of J&K on 4th April,” Matoo, who is close to PDP, posted on his Facebook page.“May her government usher a new era of peace and prosperity in the region,” he wished.Sources said that the preparations for the event are ongoing in Raj Bhavan and about 1000 dignitaries, including top officials, legislators of the two parties will be present.The PDP president is also holding consultations with senior leaders over restructuring the party.
In this backdrop, office bearers of the party including Nizamudin Bhat, Rafi Ahmad Mir, Ved Mahajan, Mehboob Iqbal, party general secretaries, and Political Advisor to president Peerzada Mansoor Hussain resigned and relinquished their offices with immediate effect.“All the leaders have expressed full faith in the leadership of Mehbooba Mufti and have pledged support in the interest of party and people of the state,” a party spokesman said today.Meanwhile, BJP held a meeting in Jammu that was presided by BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav to finalise their list of ministers in the new government. BJP national vice president Avinash Rai Khanna was also present. Both the leaders flew back to New Delhi after holding the meeting.Sources in BJP said that the ministerial portfolios were discussed after consultations with the state leaders of the party. Sources said that some changes in the portfolios of the ministers are expected in the new government. (KNS)