SRINAGAR, OCT 24: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday indicated that the long-awaited expansion of his Council of Ministers would take place within the first two to three days of next week, asserting that the names of those to be inducted had already been finalised following consultations with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah. The Chief Minister made the announcement after meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhawan in Srinagar, where he requested the latter to fix a suitable date and time for the proposed expansion.
Omar said the decision regarding the induction of ministers had already been taken and made it clear that further lobbying by party colleagues would serve no purpose. In a direct message to aspirants seeking ministerial berths, he urged them to refrain from repeatedly contacting him, approaching senior party leaders or sending WhatsApp messages in an attempt to influence the selection process.
The Chief Minister said he had been receiving numerous messages from party colleagues, some containing lengthy descriptions of their political backgrounds and achievements, apparently in support of their claims for ministerial positions. However, he stressed that the selection process had already been completed and such communications would not change the outcome.
“There is no need to knock on Farooq Abdullah’s door, my door or anyone else’s door. The decision about who will become a minister has already been made,” Omar said, reiterating that those selected would be inducted within the next two to three days.
Appealing for patience among party colleagues, he said the final decision would be implemented at the appropriate time. “Do not WhatsApp, do not call and do not knock on doors. Whatever has to be done will be done in the next two to three days,” he said, adding that those chosen for ministerial positions would be appointed.
Omar also clarified that his meeting with the Lieutenant Governor was partly intended to enquire about Sinha’s health following his recent return to Srinagar after being unwell. He said several other matters requiring discussion and advice were also taken up during the interaction, while confirming that the proposed Cabinet expansion figured among the issues discussed.
The forthcoming exercise is expected to bring changes to the composition of the Omar Abdullah-led Council of Ministers, with political attention focused on the names of legislators likely to secure ministerial berths and the possible adjustments in the existing ministerial arrangement. With the Chief Minister indicating that the list has been finalised, the next step rests with the Lieutenant Governor to schedule the induction ceremony, potentially bringing an end to speculation over the Cabinet’s expanded composition.
