Exam scandal: Peerzada to continue in J-K ministry

J-K Congress minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed will continue in the council of ministers, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said today, a day after he divested him of Education portfolio in the wake of examination scandal involving his step-son.

Sayeed, who had yesterday forwarded his resignation, said that the Congress high command had rejected it.

"There is nothing further on the Peerzada Sayeed matter except that the portfolio that he was holding of the school education has been withdrawn. He continues to be minister in my cabinet and that's the end of the matter," Abdullah said.

Jammu and Kashmir Police's Crime Branch had found irregularities in the answer sheets of Sayeed's step-son in Class 10th examination which he had passed and submitted report to the government on February 7 following allegations that "unfair means" were used to help the student.

"She (Sonia Gandhi) has not accepted my resignation. I was asked (by her) to continue work. As a soldier of Congress -- nominee of Congress -- I will work in this coalition government," Sayeed told reporters at his residence here.

"I submitted my resignation to Sonia Gandhi. I told Congress high command that it is my resignation and I will abide by the whatever decision you take", he said, adding "I came to know that she has rejected my resignation".

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has divested Peerzada Muhammad Sayeed of the portfolio of School Education. The said portfolio will remain with the Chief Minister till further orders, an official release of J&K Government had said.

Sayeed also denied having made any statement against the Chief Minister and claimed such allegations were part of conspiracy to weaken the state coalition government in J&K.

"...My opinion is that Omar Abdullah is our Chief Minister-- we respect him-- we are his colleagues".

"We will strengthen accord between two coalition partners for peace, progress and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir. We will both work together," he said.