J-K Governor talks “threat of transfer” after ‘Centre wants Lone govt’ comment

Jammu: After triggering controversy over his alleged remarks that had he looked to the Centre, Sajjad Lone would have been invited to form the government, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has said that he will not lose his job but “threat of transfer” is there.

“It is not in my hands, as long as I am here- I don’t know when I will be transferred from here,” Mr Malik said while paying tributes to Congress leader Gridhar Lal Dogra on his death anniversary on Tuesday.

He said, “I will not lose my job but the “threat of transfer” is there. As long as I am here, I assure you people that whenever you call me I will come here to pay my tributes.”

“I met Mr Jaitley and he told me that I have to attend this programme,” he said adding that he was unwell after returning from Madhya Pradesh but in politics especially when one has to attend such events, “fever” hardly matters.

“Paying tributes to such a tall leader is just like visiting Haridwar,” he added and said that he may not lose his job but there was no telling when he would be shifted.

“Keep inviting me for this event and I assure you that wherever I will be, I will every year come to pay my tributes,” he added.

Mr Malik took charge just three months ago as the Jammu and Kashmir Governor.

On Saturday in Gwalior at Madhya Pradesh, the Governor had said, “had I looked towards Delhi (the Centre), then I would have been forced to invite Sajad Lone to form the government. Then I would have gone down in history as unscrupulous. But I ended the whole thing. Those who want to abuse me can do so, but I am convinced I did the right thing.”

The Governor was speaking on his decision to dissolve the Jammu and Kashmir assembly right after receiving two claims to form government, one from former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti who claimed the support of her rival Omar Abdullah and the Congress, and the other from Sajad Lone, whose two-member party was backed by the BJP.

He had earlier also said he feared horse-trading of lawmakers to raise numbers. (UNI)