Tainted JK minister yet to resign

Sources in the ruling NC said that Ansari appears to be in favour of his sacking by the chief minister. Such an action will help him project his image as that of a “fighter” among his supporters, they added.

The housing minister was sure of his ouster from the Cabinet once he submitted resignation to the chief minister as the latter has already asked him to quit in view of the corruption charges against him. Though the chief minister took resignations from all his ministers on Wednesday in the name of Cabinet reshuffle, the move was seen as an attempt by him only to ensure that Ansari also resigned on his own.

Sources said that Farooq had earlier asked the housing minister to tender resignation in view of his indictment in the Sidhra township scam during investigations by the Crime Branch. However, as Ansari did not oblige, the state government made public the Crime Branch inquiry indicting him in the scam.

The government’s action angered Ansari, who threatened to expose all the politicians and bureaucrats bent upon tarnishing his political career, as also disclosing the real facts about the Sidhra township. This subdued the chief minister who visited his residence and had dinner with him. Next morning, Farooq started saying that no one can be punished unless held guilty by the court and that the media had sensationalised the Ansari episode.

Political observers feel that Ansari may not resign as he is not in the habit of giving up so easily.