Examiner News Desk | Srinagar:
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is set to unveil a reshaped Council of Ministers on Tuesday, October 27, in what is expected to be the first major cabinet overhaul since the National Conference-led government assumed office in October 2024.
With the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for 10:30 am at Lok Bhavan in Srinagar, attention has turned to the legislators likely to enter the government, ministers who may lose their positions and the possible redistribution of key portfolios. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is scheduled to administer the oath of office and secrecy to the incoming ministers.
Although Omar has said the ministerial list was finalised after consultations with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, the names and portfolio allocations circulating in political circles have yet to receive official confirmation.
Senior National Conference leader Ali Mohammad Sagar and Ramban MLA Arjun Singh Raju have emerged as prominent contenders for ministerial berths, according to reports citing party sources.
Sagar’s possible induction would bring an experienced party leader into the government, while Raju’s inclusion could strengthen representation from the Jammu region.
Other names being discussed include senior NC leaders Abdul Rahim Rather and Aijaz Jan. Nazir Ahmed Khan Gurezi has also figured in reports about possible changes, particularly in connection with the Assembly Speaker’s post. The final composition will depend on the decisions announced by the Chief Minister.
One of the most significant possibilities is the induction of incumbent Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather into the Cabinet, with the Finance portfolio reportedly under consideration.
If Rather moves to the executive, the Assembly would require a new Speaker. National Conference veteran Mubarak Gul and Nazir Gurezi have been mentioned in reports as possible successors, although no appointment has been confirmed.
A change involving the Finance portfolio would also affect the distribution of responsibilities within the government, as Omar Abdullah currently retains charge of several departments, including Finance and Revenue.
The status of three incumbent ministers—Javid Ahmad Dar, Javed Ahmed Rana and Satish Sharma—has become a major focus of speculation ahead of the reshuffle.
Reports citing party sources have suggested that the three could be dropped to accommodate new faces and reorganise the ministry. However, the reports differ on the likely extent of the changes, and no official decision on their continuation or removal has been announced.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary and Health and Education Minister Sakeena Masood (Itoo) are widely expected to remain in the government, according to reports. Their final status and any changes to their portfolios will become clear after the official announcement.
Under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Council of Ministers cannot exceed 10 per cent of the 90-member Legislative Assembly. This places the maximum strength of the ministry, including the Chief Minister, at nine members.
The existing Council has six members, leaving three positions vacant. Omar can fill those berths, but any decision to replace sitting ministers would allow a broader reshuffle of the existing team.
The Congress, which contested the 2024 Assembly elections in alliance with the National Conference, is not expected to join the Cabinet at this stage. Congress leaders have maintained that the party will not enter the government until statehood is restored.
On Saturday, Omar said the list had been finalised in consultation with Farooq Abdullah and urged legislators to stop sending messages or approaching party leaders for ministerial berths. He said the Lieutenant Governor would fix the time for the exercise, which is now scheduled for Tuesday.
The reshuffle is expected to determine how the NC leadership balances seniority, administrative experience, regional representation and demands from within the party. Until the oath-taking ceremony and official portfolio notifications, however, the names of incoming ministers, those likely to exit and the proposed departmental allocations remain subject to confirmation.
