J-K Chief Secy resigns, likely to be inducted into state Cabinet

In a major political development, Chief Secretary B R Kundal has reportedly submitted his resignation seeking premature retirement.

In a major political development, Chief Secretary B R Kundal has reportedly submitted his resignation seeking premature retirement. S S Kapur, Home Commissioner, will be the new Chief Secretary. The step will facilitate his formal entry into the Congress. He is likely to be inducted into the Cabinet on Monday.

Sources say the move is aimed to corner Schedule Caste votes by the ruling Congress. It will also pave the way for the 1972 batch IAS officer to fulfil his ambition of contesting Assembly elections this year. His tenure was to end in February 2009. However, it was not known whether his resignation has been accepted or not.

Confirming his decision to join politics, sources said Kundal would make a formal announcement about this on Monday when Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad will induct him into the Cabinet, and is likely to get the power portfolio, which is at present being held by Babu Singh.

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Kundal is likely to contest the election from Bishnah or R S Pura on a Congress ticket. Prior to being appointed as the Chief Secretary, he held the post of Financial Commissioner Home.

Kundal is the second Chief Secretary who served in the coalition Government. The first was Vijay Bakaya who joined National Conference last year. Bakaya is also contesting the Assembly election on an NC ticket.

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