The Hindu : National : Azad government’s fate uncertain

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National

Azad government’s fate uncertain

Shujaat Bukhari

I have the numbers: Chief Minister

No question of supporting him: Bhim Singh
Soz sees no threat to government

SRINAGAR: The fate of the coalition government headed by Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad is unclear after its key ally, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), withdrew its support on Saturday. However, Mr. Azad said on Sunday that his government would complete its term and he had the required numbers.

Even as Mr. Azad enjoyed the open support of only 37 legislators (22 of his party and 15 Independents), he sounded confident about the stability of his government.

Asked by reporters about the fate of his government he said, “there is no threat to the government and it will complete its full term.” He did not explain how he would manage the magic figure of 44.

Though four Independent MLAs — Usman Majid, Mohiuddin Sofi, Raman Mattoo and Shoaib Lone — were present at his residence they were among the 15 who already support it.

The PDP has 20 legislators, National Conference (NC) 24, National Panthers Party (NPP) four, CPI (M) 2, BJP and Jammu State Morcha one each.

The CPI (M) state secretary M.Y. Tarigami said his party had not yet taken any decision on supporting the government.

NPP chief Bhim Singh said Mr. Azad had no right to continue. Denying reports that his party was considering giving support to the Azad government, he said: “There is no question of supporting him. We are demanding the dismissal of the government.”

He accused the Congress and the PDP of playing a game to promote the BJP in Jammu, which indirectly would help them. Blaming the two parties for the present crisis in the state, Prof. Singh said Mr. Azad enjoyed the support of just 22 legislators. “How can he run the government?”

The NPP chief said Governor N.N. Vohra was a mature person. He wanted to save the situation but the Congress and the PDP were ‘misrepresenting’ the facts before him. Union Minister and PCC chief Saifuddin Soz said the government was not facing any threat. “If the Governor wants we are ready for the test on the floor of the House.”

However, he also did not explain how the numbers could be managed.

Mr. Azad later flew to New Delhi for consultations with Congress president Sonia Gandhi and other leaders to find a way to resolve the crisis.

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