Stop lobbying for ministerial berths: CM to party colleagues

Srinagar, Oct 24: Asking party colleagues to stop lobbying for ministerial berths ahead of the expected cabinet reshuffle and expansion within the next two to three days, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the list of ministers stands finalised after consultations with National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah, adding that there was “no scope” for further changes.
Talking to reporters after meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan here, Chief Minister Omar said, “We discussed the reshuffle. I requested the Lieutenant Governor to fix a time during the first two or three days of next week so that I can carry out certain changes and expansion in my Council of Ministers.”
The Chief Minister said the schedule would be decided by the Lieutenant Governor, following which the cabinet expansion would be carried out.
Making it explicitly clear that the selection process has already been completed, the Chief Minister said there is no need for anyone to approach him or Dr Farooq Abdullah seeking a ministerial berth. “The list has already been prepared after consultations with Dr Farooq Abdullah. There is no need for anyone to knock on Farooq Sahib’s door, my door or anyone else’s door. The decision regarding who will become a minister has already been taken,” he said.
The Chief Minister said he had been receiving numerous WhatsApp messages, phone calls and detailed biodatas from people seeking ministerial positions. “I request my party colleagues to refrain from such efforts,” he added.
“Please do not send me WhatsApp messages, make phone calls or knock on doors. People are sending me their complete biodata as though I do not know them. I already know them. Decision has already been taken,” he said.
CM Omar asked his colleagues to remain patient, adding that those selected for ministerial positions would get their opportunity within the next two or three days.
The Chief Minister said he had also met the Lieutenant Governor to enquire about his health following his return to Srinagar after a period of illness. He added that several issues were discussed during the meeting and that he sought the LG’s opinion on them.
On Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia, the Chief Minister said the government is taking up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate their return.
He said pilgrims from several states are stranded due to flight cancellations and a sharp increase in airfares. “The problem is not that flights are unavailable, but that ticket prices have increased significantly. Those who had booked budget airline tickets are finding it difficult to purchase fresh tickets,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government would explore possible solutions with the Ministry of External Affairs and was prepared to provide financial assistance from its own budget, if necessary.
“If the Ministry of External Affairs does not have the budget to bring our stranded people back or assist with their tickets, we will allocate some money from our own budget to facilitate their return,” he said.
Responding to a question regarding powers given to the Lieutenant Governor for regulating dentistry, CM Omar said the business rules would need to be examined to determine whether the matter fell under the jurisdiction of the Centre or the elected government.
He suggested that the issue be taken up with Minister Sakeena Itoo upon her return.
On China border-related issues, he said the matter concerned the Government of India and the Ladakh administration. “Earlier, the border with China touched our erstwhile state. However, after Ladakh’s separation, this is no longer under my jurisdiction. The question should be addressed to the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh or the Central Government,” he said. (KNO)