Srinagar: Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on October 18 said he did not continue as the caretaker Chief Minister as the Constitution did not allow him to function beyond midnight, October 17 night.

"The Constitution did not allow me to do so. Why should have continued when the previous assembly stood dissolved," Abdullah said in his first reaction after deciding to continue as the caretaker Chief Minister, resulting in the imposition of Governor's rule in the state.

To a question that everyone was blaming him for forcing the Governor's rule, Abdullah said "There is nothing new in blaming me. I have received boots always. Even now, when I have acted in the letter and spirit of the Constitution, I am held responsible."

PTI