Council of Ministers reshuffle: NC weighs new inductions

Srinagar, August 18 : The Omar Abdullah-led Jammu and Kashmir government appears headed for a Cabinet shake-up, with the ruling National Conference holding high-level consultations over a possible expansion and reshuffle of the Council of Ministers, amid indications that new faces could be inducted and portfolios of some existing ministers may be changed.
The consultations come nearly 22 months after the formation of the government, with the Cabinet potentially being expanded to its maximum strength of eight members, while several names are reportedly under consideration for induction.
After the Assembly elections held following a gap of 10 years, National Conference leader and Vice President Omar Abdullah took oath as the first Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on October 16, 2024. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha administered the oath of office to Omar Abdullah at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.
According to the sources privy to development, told news agency JKNS that, with the government headed by Omar Abdullah having completed nearly 22 months in office, speculation has been rife for some time over a possible expansion and reshuffle of the six-member Council of Ministers.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Independence Day, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah himself put an end to speculation regarding the possible reshuffle and expansion of the Cabinet, saying that he would undertake the exercise, but not before August 15.
The present Council of Ministers comprises Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, and four other ministers Sakina Masood Itoo, Javed Ahmed Rana, Javed Ahmed Dar and Satish Sharma.
As far as the scope for expansion is concerned, the Council of Ministers in Jammu and Kashmir can have a maximum strength of eight members, including the Chief Minister. With the Independence Day celebrations now over, political circles are keenly watching for indications of when the Cabinet expansion and possible reshuffle will take place.
Sources said that high-level consultations are underway within the ruling National Conference over the proposed expansion of the Cabinet of the 22-month-old government.
Several names are reportedly under consideration, including Srinagar MLA Tanvir Sadiq, Sopore MLA Irshad Rasool Kar, Kupwara MLA Mir Saifullah, Pahalgam MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani, Anantnag MLA Bashir Ahmad Veeri and Poonch MLA Ijaz Ahmad Jan.
Sources said the portfolios of some ministers in the existing Cabinet could be changed or reassigned, while some ministers may also be dropped as part of the reshuffle.
The National Conference had also approached its alliance partner, the Pradesh Congress, regarding participation in the government.
However, the Congress has so far declined to join or directly participate in the Council of Ministers. (JKNS)