Omar Abdullah unlikely to expand Council of Ministers soon: BJP

Srinagar, Aug 12: Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was unlikely to expand or reshuffle his Council of Ministers in the near future, while launching a sharp attack on the National Conference leadership and its style of functioning.
BJP spokesperson Dr Abhijeet Jasrotia linked the alleged delay in cabinet expansion to what he described as Omar Abdullah’s preference for a close inner circle. He cited the recent “snubbing” of an NC MLA in the Legislative Assembly as an indication that the Chief Minister intended to continue relying on a limited group of associates.
Jasrotia also referred to the recent selection of candidates for the Rajya Sabha, alleging that the exercise had reinforced a pattern in which individuals enjoying personal proximity to Omar Abdullah were being rewarded with positions and influence.
“This is a common practice in dynastically run parties,” he said, comparing the National Conference with the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh and alleging that those close to Akhilesh Yadav form his inner “kitchen cabinet.”
Turning specifically to NC legislators aspiring for ministerial positions, Jasrotia said they were “day-dreaming” and alleged that their chances would remain limited unless they resorted to what he described as “flattery” and personal service to the party leadership.
He termed the National Conference leadership “dictatorial” and alleged that ministerial aspirations among its MLAs would remain a fantasy under the present political arrangement.
The remarks came a day after Omar Abdullah, while responding to questions from reporters about a possible cabinet expansion, said it would happen “someday” but did not indicate any immediate timeline. [KNT]