J-K: Cong, allies confident of proving majority

Mon, Jul 7 02:14 AM

Hours before the Ghulam Nabi Azad Government seeks vote of confidence on the floor of the House, the Congress and its allies in the state are confident of having numbers that will save their government. In the 87-member House, Congress needs the support of 44 legislators. The party has only 21 members in the House and enjoys the support of 15 Independent members. "there must be a solid reason for the Chief Minister to be confident of proving majority on the floor of the house. I wish he makes it," Union Minister and J-K PCC chief Prof Saif-ud-din Soz told The Indian Express. Soz who flied to Srinagar on Saturday made last ditch efforts to save the Azad Government and established contacts with different Assembly members.

Things became worrisome for Azad, when the National Conference, that has 24 members in the Assembly, issued a whip to its legislators asking them to vote against the motion. Earlier, sources close to the CM had hinted that the NC may support the government or abstain from voting.

The People's Democratic Party and the Panthers have already issued whips to its members for voting against the party. NC, PDP, NPP and BJP together have 48 members in the house. Meanwhile, to keep its flock of Assembly members together, PDP has kept a close watch on its legislators.

Former minister and expelled PDP leader Ghulam Hassan Mir is confident that the Government will survive. "Azad will manage the requisite numbers and every one will see it," he said.

"All this started with the transfer of land order. When the order has been revoked, there is no need to cut short the term of this Government," he added. Sources said Mir has been in constant touch with some of the dissident PDP Assembly members and has assured their support to Azad.

Hakim Yasin, senior minister and chairman of the Peoples Democratic Forum, also believes that the Azad Government will prove its majority on Monday. "I will support the motion as it is a battle between right and wrong," he said.

RECOMMEND THIS STORY