Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced on Saturday that his council of ministers is set to undergo an expansion and reshuffle early next week. The Chief Minister confirmed the development following a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhawan in Srinagar.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Abdullah stated that he had requested time from the Lieutenant Governor to facilitate the process. He indicated that the expansion would likely occur within the first few days of the coming week once a formal time is fixed by the office of the Lieutenant Governor. This exercise is expected to bring changes to the current composition of the state’s council of ministers.
The Chief Minister addressed concerns regarding internal party pressure, explicitly urging his colleagues and members of the legislative assembly not to lobby for ministerial positions. He emphasised that the list of appointees had already been determined following comprehensive internal consultations. Abdullah noted that the selection process involved discussions with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, and the final decisions remain firm.
“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. So, I request my colleagues to please be patient,” Abdullah said.
The Chief Minister further urged party members to cease the practice of sending unsolicited messages and biodatas, which he described as an unnecessary effort since he is already well-acquainted with the work and background of his party colleagues. He expressed frustration with the volume of correspondence, specifically mentioning that he has been receiving extensive WhatsApp messages from those seeking positions in the cabinet.
“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 remarked. The appeal serves as a clear directive to party members to maintain decorum while the administration prepares for the upcoming administrative transition.
The proposed expansion and reshuffle represent a significant move for the administration as it looks to solidify its functional structure. By finalising the list ahead of the formal announcement, the Chief Minister aims to streamline the process and mitigate the impact of internal lobbying. As the administration prepares for the changes, the focus remains on the upcoming swearing-in process and the subsequent realignment of ministerial responsibilities within the government.
This development follows the recent formation of the government, where the administration sought to establish its initial cabinet. The upcoming exercise signifies a planned recalibration of the ministerial council to address the current needs and priorities of the administration. Observers now look toward the early part of the next week for the formalisation of these changes as indicated by the Chief Minister during his interaction with the press.
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