Srinagar, Oct 24: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the Cabinet reshuffle and expansion of his Council of Ministers were likely to take place early next week, adding that the list of ministers had been finalised in consultation with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Srinagar, Omar said he had requested an appointment within the first two or three days of next week to facilitate the Cabinet expansion.
“I requested him to fix a time within the first two or three days of next week. I will make some changes and expand my Council of Ministers,” Omar said, adding that the Lieutenant Governor would schedule the exercise.
The Chief Minister said the list had been finalised after consultations with Farooq Abdullah and urged party colleagues aspiring for ministerial positions to refrain from lobbying.
“After consultations with Farooq Abdullah, the list is ready. There is no need to knock on Farooq Abdullah’s door, my door or anyone else’s door. The decision about who will become a minister has already been made,” he said.
Omar said he had been receiving numerous WhatsApp messages from aspirants seeking ministerial positions, with some sending lengthy write-ups and their biodata despite the decision having already been taken.
“I know these people personally. I do not need their biodata,” he said, urging party colleagues to remain patient and refrain from contacting him or other leaders to lobby for positions.
He reiterated that the process would be completed within the next two to three days.
Omar said he had also met the Lieutenant Governor to enquire about his health following his recent illness and discuss several issues requiring consultation.
On Kashmiri Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia amid flight disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis, Omar said the government was taking up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs.
He said a sharp rise in airfares had made it difficult for pilgrims who had booked tickets with budget airlines to arrange alternative flights.
“If the Ministry of External Affairs does not have the budget to bring our people back or help them with their tickets, we will allocate some money from our own budget and facilitate their return,” he said.
On the issue of regulating dentistry, Omar said the relevant Rules of Business would have to be examined to determine whether the matter fell under the jurisdiction of the Central Government or the Jammu and Kashmir government. He suggested that the issue be taken up with Health Minister Sakeena Itoo.
Regarding reports concerning China, Omar said the matter fell under the jurisdiction of the Government of India following Ladakh’s separation from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
“That is a Government of India issue,” he said, adding that the matter should be taken up with the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh or the Central Government.
