J-K Governor seeks clarification, returns file recommending nomination of Mehbooba Mufti’s brother as MLC 

However, Vikramaditya Singh was one of the eight MLCs whose nomination had been challenged by a local lawyer in the state high court who said that all the norms fixed for nomination of these members to the Legislative Council were given a go by the then Chief Minister Mufti Sayeed. Pointing out that there had been no recommendation from cabinet, the petitioner had pointed out that the only criteria taken into consideration was their respective affiliation with both the ruling coalition partners, Peoples Democratic Party and Bharatiya Janata Party.

Sources said that while returning the file, the Governor has sought clarification whether there will be any repercussion of Tasaduq’s in view of a writ petition already pending disposal in the high court against the earlier nomination of eight members to Upper House of the State Legislature.

Meanwhile, to pave way for the induction of his nephew Tassaduq Mufti into the ministry, Minister of State for Haj and Auqaf, Farooq Ahmad Andrabi, has resigned from the council of ministers headed by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sources said that Andrabi, who represents Dooru constituency in the State Legislative Assembly, citing personal reasons has sent his resignation to the Chief Minister for acceptance. Apart from Haj and Auqaf, he was also Minister of State for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Power Development, and Industries and Commerce.

Inducted into the council of ministers on April 4, 2016, he being an uncle of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti wielded considerable influence. Though there had been no need for Andrabi to resign as Chief Minister could still accommodate one more person into her council of ministers which, at present, had only 24 members, sources said that the former resigned so that the party could avoid criticism of Mehbooba Mufti having more than one family member in the ministry.

The chief minister has forwarded Andrabi’s to the State Governor. As per norms, the state can have a maximum of 25 ministers in view of the collective strength of both the Houses of State Legislature as 125.