Peerzada says Sonia rejected his resignation

In a dramatic turn of events, Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed who resigned Friday following his indictment after his son was found having cheated during the 2009 Class 10 examinations, Saturday claimed that his resignation has not been accepted by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

He told newspersons that he had “sent his resignation to Soniaji, but it has not been accepted by her”.

But he did not give any reason as to why he had tendered his resignation and why it was rejected.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, whom Peerzada Sayeed bypassed in sending the resignation letter directly to the Congress president, has divested the minister of his portfolio.

Omar would now look after the school education department as well.

Earlier, in 2010, the chief minister had taken away the power ministry from Congress leader and Public Works Department Minister G.M. Saroori after the latter was accused of helping his daughter in arranging an impersonator during a medical entrance test.

Omar heads a coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir comprising his National Conference and the Congress party of which Peerzada Sayeed is a former state unit chief.