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STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: Peoples Conference chairman and MLA Handwara Sajjad Lone is all set to join the council of ministers in PDPBJP coalition with one more portfolio.
Lone, with his new portfolio Social Welfare, ARI and Trainings, had not taken charge of the ministry, will join office soon as he has been allotted Science and Technology portfolio in addition to the existing one. BJP’s State general secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul confirmed to a Srinagar based news agency that the BJP has agreed to his demand of giving him Science and Technology ministry back and he will join office on Monday.
Science and Technology ministry was held by BJP’s legislator from Kishtwar Sunil Sharma.
He holds the independent charge of Transport ministry. Sources said that Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh has communicated to Lone Friday about the decision. Lone will be chairing the District Development Board meeting on Monday in Doda. Lone with his new portfolio, Social Welfare, ARI and Trainings, had not taken charge of the ministry after he took oath as cabinet minister in Mehbooba Mufti-led government.
Lone, who had taken oath as cabinet minister in BJP’s quota as Social Welfare, but later resigned from the Cabinet and refused to join the office after reportedly being upset with the new portfolio. (KNS)
