J&K Cabinet Reshuffle Likely Next Week, Selection of Ministers Finalized: Omar Abdullah Urges Aspirants to Stop Lobbying
Srinagar, Oct 24, KNT: The much-awaited reshuffle and expansion of the Jammu and Kashmir Council of Ministers is likely to take place next week, with the selection of ministers understood to have been finalized following consultations within the National Conference leadership, even as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged party colleagues seeking ministerial berths to stop lobbying and exercise patience.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Omar said the decision on the reshuffle had already been taken and asked aspirants not to approach him or National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah to press their claims. The file is with Dr Farooq Abdullah.
“The decision that had to be made has been made. Now please do not WhatsApp, do not call, do not knock on the door. Whatever has to be done will be done in the next two to three days,” Omar said, signalling that the process had moved beyond the stage of internal deliberations over prospective ministers.
The Chief Minister said he had been receiving numerous WhatsApp messages from party colleagues sending lengthy biodata in the hope of securing ministerial positions. He urged them to refrain from such efforts, making it clear that repeated calls, messages and personal approaches would not influence a decision that had already been taken.
The proposed exercise is expected to bring changes to the Council of Ministers, including the induction of new faces and possible changes in portfolios. The government has been functioning with six ministers, including the Chief Minister, leaving three positions vacant under the maximum permissible strength of nine ministers.
Omar said he had sought time for the expansion and that the Lieutenant Governor would decide the date. The formal process is therefore expected to proceed once the necessary arrangements and constitutional formalities are completed.
Separately, the Chief Minister said he would take up the issue of Kashmiri Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia with the Ministry of External Affairs and try to facilitate their return home. At least 34 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir have reportedly been unable to return as scheduled following flight cancellations, with some facing mounting expenses for accommodation, food and medicines.
Omar acknowledged that airfares had risen but pointed out that flights were operating, indicating that efforts would be made to explore ways to bring the stranded pilgrims back. The affected families have been seeking intervention from the Union Territory administration to ease their difficulties and ensure an early return.
The cabinet expansion has remained pending for months, with political attention focused on the possible induction of new ministers, regional representation and the distribution of portfolios. The next week is now emerging as the likely window for the exercise, although the final date will depend on the Lieutenant Governor’s decision. [KNT]
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