Upset over portfolio, Lone skips office, drops security

The other ministers in the PDP-BJP government, however, assumed charge of their respective portfolios and held meetings with officials of their respective departments.

Though Lone has not formally resigned, sources said he surrendered all facilities available to a cabinet minister, including vehicle and security.

While Lone was not available for comments, sources said he might take a decision in this regard after talking to his party leaders in the Valley.

“Lone has already started consulting his associates and senior party leaders and decision will be taken shortly whether to join the ministry or submit resignation,”said a close associate of Sajjad.

When the portfolios were allocated on Tuesday night, Lone appeared to be upset with being given the responsibility of the Science Technology and Animal Husbandry departments.

Soon after the People’s Conference chief left Jammu, BJP ministers and party leaders held a meeting which was chaired by Deputy CM Nirmal Singh. Lone was included in the cabinet from BJP quota.

BJP sources said the issue of the Handwara MLA not joining the office came up for the discussion during the meeting.

“The leadership has decided to motivate Lone to join office. The party leadership has also decided not to change the portfolio of Sajjad as it will send a wrong signal within the party,” a senior BJP leader who was at the meeting said.

Kupwara Bashir Ahmad Dar, who is the other Assembly member of People’s Conference, said Lone left Jammu as he had some personal engagement in the Valley.