Speculations that PDP leader and former J&K chief minister Mutfi Mohammad Sayeed might be thinking of joining the Union Cabinet increased after he decided to stay back in Delhi for Eid.
Mutfi was offered a berth in the Union Cabinet two months ago when Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad became the CM, but he didn't seem interested then. By staying back in Delhi for the festival, he and senior PDP leader Muzaffar Baig seem to be doing a rethink. Kashmiri leaders usually celebrate the festival in Srinagar.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday confirmed that he plans to expand his council of ministers.
"If the Congress and the PDP could run the government in J&K, then what's the harm in our party becoming part of the Manmohan Singh-led government," said Baig.
Mufti said media reports on his possible induction in the Cabinet were "mere speculation". However, he didn't reject the reports completely.
The matter is yet to be discussed with the PM and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, he said. But as the Congress had offered him a berth in November, sources said Mufti would have to take the initiative this time.
{{/usCountry}}The matter is yet to be discussed with the PM and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, he said. But as the Congress had offered him a berth in November, sources said Mufti would have to take the initiative this time.
{{/usCountry}}Back in the Valley, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah's has offered support to the Congress. Baig rejected Abdullah's offer and said, "He is making such noises to keep his flock together."