J&K governor backtracks from “Centre pressure” statement

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik said there was no pressure from the Centre to install Sajad Lone as state’s chief minister.

His backtracking statement came hours after he had said that the Modi government wanted him to install Sajad Lone.

After triggering a controversy, he later told India Today that Lone was the first to stake claim to form a new government; also, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP() and National Conference were not serious about forming government.

However earlier he had said "Had I looked at Delhi, I would have had to invite Sajad Lone to form government. But I did not want to go down in the history as a dishonest man. I don't bother about the abuses now".

Malik's admission came days after he dissolved the J&K after PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti staked claim to form a government with the support of Omar Abdulla’s National Conference and the Congress.