Jammu Tawi, Jul 2: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s announcement of a cabinet reshuffle and expansion, expected around the National Conference’s statehood protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, has intensified political speculation over the composition of the Council of Ministers.
Speaking on Wednesday, Omar Abdullah confirmed that the exercise would take place around the party’s protest programme, triggering discussions over likely inductions and portfolio changes.
Under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Union Territory can have a maximum of nine ministers, including the Chief Minister. The Act limits the Council of Ministers to 10 per cent of the total strength of the Legislative Assembly. With 95 MLAs, the permissible strength works out to 9.5, which is rounded down to nine. As six ministers are currently in office, three cabinet berths remain vacant.
The proposed expansion follows the National Conference’s brainstorming session at Dachigam on June 3, after which the Chief Minister said a reshuffle had become necessary. During the meeting, several legislators reportedly criticised Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary over fund allocation and his interaction with party MLAs. Ministers Javid Rana and Satish Sharma also reportedly faced criticism.
Political circles expect a major reshuffle of portfolios, with the Roads and Buildings Department, currently held by the Deputy Chief Minister, likely to be reassigned. However, the possibility of Surinder Kumar Choudhary being dropped from the cabinet or removed as Deputy Chief Minister is considered slim, given his political importance in the Jammu region.
Portfolio changes involving other ministers are also seen as likely. Ministers Sakina Masood Ittoo and Javid Dar are expected to retain cabinet positions, though some departments could be reshuffled. Both are regarded within the party as effective administrators, with Sakina Ittoo playing a prominent political role and Javid Dar earning a reputation for being accessible and responsive.
Sources indicate that the expansion could include two to three new faces, mainly from the Kashmir Valley. One induction each from Central and South Kashmir is considered likely, while a berth from North Kashmir remains a possibility despite strong competition among aspirants.
Another key question is whether the National Conference will leave one cabinet berth vacant for its ally, the Congress, or fill all available positions with its own nominees.
The final shape of the cabinet is expected to become clear once the reshuffle and expansion are formally announced.
Congress to stay out of Cabinet: Karra
Srinagar, Jul 2: Ahead of the proposed cabinet reshuffle-cum- expansion, Jammu & Kashmir Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra on Thursday said the party will stay out of the cabinet until the restoration of J&K’s statehood.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Karra said ministerial berths were not an issue for the Congress. “Our issue is statehood. We have made it clear that until statehood is restored, we will not become part of the cabinet,” he said, adding that the party would continue to extend outside support to the National Conference-led government.
He emphasized that the Congress would stand firmly with the government if there was any attempt by the BJP to undermine or destabilize it.
On NC’s protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Karra said the Congress had launched its campaign for the restoration of statehood a year ago through programmes in Srinagar, Jammu, and Delhi.
“It is a matter of satisfaction that those who were hesitant earlier have now reached the same position from where the Congress started its campaign a year ago,” he said.
Commenting on the debate over possible India-Pakistan talks, Karra said those criticising dialogue should also explain statements made by RSS leaders advocating engagement with Pakistan.
