Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Panthers Party on Sunday sought "disqualification" of the Omar Abdullah-led cabinet for allegedly violating constitutional mandate by inducting more members at the ministerial rank than the permitted level.
Pointing towards nomination of advisors and chairpersons to various boards with ministerial status granted to them, JKPP chairman Bhim Singh said only 20 per cent of the members of the state Assembly can be given ministerial portfolios.
He said the rules applicable in JK were different from those in other states where only 15 per cent MLAs can be given ministerial portfolios. "The number was increased in JK by an amendment during Ghulam Nabi Azad`s tenure to 20 per cent of the total House strength, which makes up 24 ministers. This government already has 22 ministers, so they can add up two more but they have included eight people with ministerial powers," he said.
"What the government could not do directly, they did it indirectly. This is a violation of the mandate of the constitution, and the government which violates Constitution, it is considered to be disqualified," Singh said.
The State Accountability Commission (SAC) last week had issued notice to the Chief Minister and other government boards, asking them to explain under what rules they had conferred ministerial status to various politicians who were drawing salaries and perks of ministers though not legally entitled to it. The SAC had directed them to appear in person or through authorised representatives for filing their replies before it on March 5.

PTI