Srinagar, Aug 27 : The Jammu and Kashmir Congress on Thursday rejected the National Conference’s offer to join the Omar Abdullah-led government, saying it would not accept a cabinet berth until the Centre restores the rights of the people of the Union Territory.
J&K Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra said the party had maintained its position on the issue for the past year and would not compromise on its demand for restoration of the rights that were taken away from the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Congress is on principal stand since the last one year and Congress won’t accept cabinet berth until the Centre government will restore the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir which were snatched from the people,” Karra said.
“Although we are a part of government in J&K, but won’t accept cabinet berth at all,” he said.
The Congress’ decision comes a day after the ruling National Conference approached the party with an offer to join the council of ministers ahead of a proposed expansion and reshuffle of the Omar Abdullah-led government.
Karra had on Wednesday confirmed that the NC had reached out to the Congress and offered the party a berth in the council of ministers.
The development had come amid Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s plans to expand and reshuffle his council of ministers.
The Congress had been supporting the government without taking a ministerial position, maintaining that restoration of the rights of Jammu and Kashmir was central to its political stand.(KNS).
