Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the much-awaited expansion and reshuffle of his Council of Ministers is likely to take place in the first two to three days of next week, indicating that the process has reached its final stage.
Omar said he had discussed the proposed exercise with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha during a meeting at Lok Bhawan in Srinagar and requested time for carrying out the expansion.
“Yes, it (reshuffle) certainly was discussed. I requested time from him for the expansion and asked him that in the first two to three days of next week, I will carry out the expansion and certain changes in my Council of Ministers,” the Chief Minister told reporters.
The Chief Minister indicated that the selection process had already been completed following consultations with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah. He said there was no need for legislators to approach party leaders seeking ministerial positions, as the decision had already been taken.
“After consultations with Dr Farooq Abdullah Sahib, the list has been finalised. There is no need to knock on Farooq Sahib’s door, my door, or anyone else’s door. The decision of who will become a minister is not pending; it has already been made,” Omar said.
He also urged party colleagues to stop sending messages and lengthy letters seeking ministerial berths, saying he was already familiar with the legislators and their work.
“Please stop sending WhatsApp messages. I am receiving endless, lengthy messages… entire books are being written, sending full biodatas as if I don’t know who they are! I already know them and their work,” he said.
The proposed expansion is significant as the National Conference-led government has been functioning with a six-member Council of Ministers, including the Chief Minister.
Under Section 53 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the total strength of the Council of Ministers cannot exceed 10 per cent of the 90-member Legislative Assembly. The maximum permissible strength is therefore nine, including the Chief Minister, leaving room for three additional ministers.
The expansion is expected to bring changes to the composition of the Council and the allocation of portfolios. However, the Chief Minister has not disclosed the names of legislators who may be inducted, and the formal announcement is awaited.
The exercise will mark a significant change in the ministerial set-up since the National Conference returned to power following the 2024 Assembly elections. The party won 42 seats in the 90-member Assembly, while its pre-poll ally, the Congress, secured six seats.
Omar had earlier indicated that he would consult Farooq Abdullah before taking a final decision on the Cabinet. His latest statement provides a clearer timeline, with the expansion expected in the opening days of next week, subject to the Lieutenant Governor fixing the schedule.
With the Chief Minister saying the list has been finalised, attention is now focused on the formal announcement, the legislators who will be inducted and the changes, if any, in the allocation of portfolios.
