PDP challenges privilege motion by Jammu and Kashmir government

Jammu, Mar 14 (ANI): The People's Democratic Party (PDP) headed by Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday challenged the ruling National Conference (NC) party's proposal to move a privilege motion against a few leaders of her party for allegedly misleading the state legislature on the issue of cricket scam.

Mufti charged the state government of trying to cow down the opposition parties as it was on the verge of being uprooted from power.

"All the documents that we are holding, these are not documents printed by us but they are the documents from J and K Bank, from Cricket Association and other related bodies. So, unfortunately since the government is on back foot, regarding corruption, also when their patron of the party is concerned, so they are trying to cow down the opposition by bringing in privilege motion because they have nothing to offer in discussion," said Mufti.

Mufti also urged Union Sports Minister Ajay Maken and Board of Control for Cricket in India to probe the scam worth multi-crores of rupees.

"If you could nail down Kalmadi where this kind of proof was not there, but the CBI started inquiring. I think this should be enough if the Central government, the BCCI, the Sports Ministry is (are) serious enough to take action because I don't think anybody is a holy cow when it comes to corruption," added Mufti.

Several state lawmakers had voiced their ire against Union Renewable Energy Minister and President of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) Farooq Abdullah following accusations of his involvement in embezzling funds meant for the JKCA.

PDP members led by Mehbooba Mufti had staged a walkout over the issue on Monday.

Two JKCA officials, including the General Secretary Ahsan Mirza and Chief Administrative Officer Saleem Khan have been ousted from the cricket body and ordered to deposit the maximum amount of the money, which had been siphoned, by March 20. (ANI)