Congress can join govt anytime, ministry post kept vacant: Omar

Srinagar, Jun 3: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has revealed that a cabinet berth in the Jammu and Kashmir government continues to remain reserved for the Congress party, asserting that his government is prepared to accommodate its ally whenever the party decides to join the government.
The remarks provide the clearest indication yet that the National Conference-led government has deliberately kept a ministerial position vacant for Congress while both parties await restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
In an interview with a Jammu-based media outlet, Omar Abdullah said Congress had not sought representation in the cabinet despite being entitled to a berth under the alliance arrangement.
According to the Chief Minister, when the government was formed in October 2024, the Pradesh Congress Committee leadership had made it clear that the party would stay out of the government until statehood was restored.
“When the government was formed, the PCC president clearly stated that until statehood is restored they would not become part of the government,” Omar said.
He added that the position remains available even today and that Congress would be accommodated if it decides to alter its stance.
“One ministry post is still vacant for them. If they seek a ministry berth, I am ready to give it to them,” he said.
The Chief Minister further stated that if required, he would take up the matter with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and complete the formalities necessary for Congress joining the government.
Omar maintained that both National Conference and Congress share a common objective regarding restoration of statehood and are waiting for the Centre to fulfill its commitment. [KNT]