J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti would soon enjoy the company of his younger brother Tasaduq Hussain Mufti in the Council of Ministers.
The cinematographer-turned-politician, who could not contest Lok Sabha polls in the wake of continued cycle of violence early this year, was formally nominated to the upper house of the State legislature by Governor NN Vohra on Friday.
The lone seat was vacated by PDP MLC Vikramaditya Singh after quitting PDP on October 22, 2017.
Even after filing his nomination papers Tasaduq had to wait for his entry in the upper house as Lok Sabha polls for Anantnag-Pulwama Lok Sabha seat were deferred by the Election Commission of India due to prevailing security situation in the South Kashmir districts.
As per political grapevine Tasaduq is most likely to take charge as Tourism Minister in the state. Mehbooba Mufti is currently holding the charge of the Tourism Ministry.
The oath ceremony to induct Tasaduq Mufti is most likely to take place after Christmas holiday ahead of the Budget Session of the State legislature beginning from January 2, 2018.
He had earlier resigned from the post of coordinator J&K CM's Grievance cell last week.
Official spokesman of the state government in a statement said, "In exercise of powers vested in Governor under sub-section (6) of section 50 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, Governor N.N. Vohra has nominated Tassaduq Hussain Mufti as a Member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council against the seat available in the Council".
Before nominating Tasaduq Mufti Governor NN Vohra accepted the resignation of Syed Farooq Andrabi, Minister of State Haj and Aquaf (Independent Charge), PDD, PHE, I& FC and I&C. Andrabi, another close relative of Mehbooba Mufti resigned from the council of ministers citing personal reasons.