Mufti in Delhi, talks tourism

His political mission in Delhi is to get clearance for expansion of his Cabinet from Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Sources said Mufti had already held consultations with senior Congress leaders Arjun Singh and Ghulam Nabi Azad for Cabinet expansion. He is likely to induct ten to twelve ministers from Congress and other coalition parties as also Independents.

During his five-day stay in the capital, Mufti will also meet industrialists and tour operators to promote investments and tourism in the state.

At the FICCI meet, Mufti was ready to bury the hatchet with his political rival and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah for the sake of luring tourists to the state.

He said: ‘‘I must thank Dr Farooq Abdullah for having laid the most beautiful Golf course in Kashmir,’’ he said while extending an offer of playing golf to the business guns of the country.

Mufti also added that the state government should be looking after the kin of militants. ‘‘Do you think a militant seeks permission of his children before picking up the guns.’’