SRINAGAR: The State unit of Congress boycotted the oath-taking ceremony of Mehbooba Mufti led PDP-BJP coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday as a mark of against NDA government for using “undemocratic” ways in destabilsing Congress governments in some states of the country.
None of the Congress leaders were present in the oath taking ceremony of Mehbooba-led coalition government at Raj Bhavan in Jammu today.
The Congress leaders were invited for the oath-taking function.
56-year-old Mehbooba took over as first woman chief minister of the State today. She was administered oath of secrecy by State Governor N N Vohra.
J&K Congress chief spokesman said that the party leaders boycotted the oath taking ceremony to protest the “undemocratic” ways adopted by NDA government in destabilsing Congress governments in some states.
He was referring to toppling of Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh and imposing of Governor’s rule in Uttarakhand.
However, senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad felicitated Mehbooba for taking oath and assuming the office of Chief Minister J&K.
Exuding confidence that Mehbooba will work hard for the welfare of people and progress of the State, he wished her a peaceful, effective and successful stint.
Azad, a former chief minister of the State, was also invited by Mehbooba to attend the oath-taking ceremony.
Azad said he could not attend the oath ceremony due to pre-scheduled commitments in Chennai and Assam.