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Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah on Friday said he refused to continue as the state's caretaker chief minister as the Constitution did not allow him to function in that post beyond Thursday midnight when the state assembly's term ended.
When it was pointed out to him that he was being blamed for creating a constitutional crisis in Jammu and Kashmir, he said: "There is nothing new in blaming me. I have received boots always. Why should I be held responsible for the crisis? Why not the Congress and the People's Democratic Party who have failed to form a government seven days after the results were declared?" Abdullah asked.
On Thursday when the deadline for government formation in J&K expired, the Congress and the PDP had not reached an agreement on who would head the coalition government in the event of the two parties coming together to form one.
Abdullah said everyone in his party was in favour of his not continuing as caretaker chief minister as this would pave the way for more horse trading in the state.
"If my decision is unethical then what are other parties doing. My decision was an attempt to block a virtual auction of MLAs," he said.
Asked about his retirement plans, Abdullah said: "I wanted to retire but now due to the prevailing political situation in the state, the chances have reduced and I have to remain with the people of the state."
PTI
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