SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday indicated that the much-awaited reshuffle and expansion of his Council of Ministers would be carried out next week, stating that the list of ministers has already been finalised following consultations with National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah.
The Chief Minister made the announcement while speaking to reporters in Srinagar after meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan. He said he had requested the Lieutenant Governor to allocate time during the first two to three days of next week to facilitate the proposed cabinet expansion and reshuffle.
Omar Abdullah also appealed to party colleagues and those aspiring for ministerial positions to refrain from lobbying, asserting that the decision regarding the ministerial line-up had already been taken.
On the issue of Umrah pilgrims reportedly stranded in Saudi Arabia, the Chief Minister said the matter was being pursued with the Ministry of External Affairs. He added that the Jammu and Kashmir Government was prepared to extend financial assistance from its own resources, if required.
Responding to a question concerning regulatory powers over dentistry, Omar said the relevant business rules would have to be examined to establish whether the matter fell within the jurisdiction of the Union Government or the elected government of Jammu and Kashmir.
On issues concerning the China border, the Chief Minister maintained that the matter fell within the jurisdiction of the Government of India and the Ladakh administration.
The proposed cabinet exercise is expected to be a significant political development for the Omar Abdullah-led government, with attention focused on the composition of the Council of Ministers and the allocation of ministerial responsibilities.
