Cong high-command, CM seek explanation from Sharma, Minister holds meet to prepare defense

Greater Kashmir

SYED AMJAD SHAH

Jammu, Dec 7: Congress high command and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reportedly asked the health minister Sham Lal Sharma to explain his position over his controversial remarks, which has already snowballed into a major controversy and an embarrassment for coalition government.

The Minister Sham Lal Sharma and his close aides were now reportedly preparing a defensive plan so as to avoid any further damage and a meeting in this regard in Jammu on Tuesday evening.

“Explanation has been sought from Sharma by both Congress high command and the CM”, a Congress minister, preferring anonymity told Greater Kashmir. He said that the Chief Minister may also examine the video evidence of the public meeting at Bani, where the minister made the controversial statement.

In the meanwhile, minister and his close aides in the party met here on Tuesday to prepare a `defensive strategy’. “The meeting was attended by at least five Congress leaders including the minister”, sources said adding, “It was decided that a collective effort be made to avoid any further damage”.

Sources revealed that Madan Lal Sharma reached for New Delhi and is expected to prepare a defensive ground within the party at union capital. He has also asked some of the senior party leaders from the state to back up the minister at this crucial time.

“The minister is also expected to leave for union capital on Wednesday”.

Interestingly, the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Chief Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz was defending the minister.