Cabinet Reshuffle, Expansion Likely Early Next Week: CM Omar

Aqzar Raheel
Srinagar| Oct, 24: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the 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.
Talking to reporters after meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Srinagar, Omar said he had sought an appointment within the first two or three days of next week to facilitate the exercise. “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,” he said, adding that the Lieutenant Governor would schedule the process. 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 berths, with some sending lengthy representations 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 approaching party leaders to lobby for positions. He reiterated that the process was expected to 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 issues requiring consultation. On Kashmiri Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia amid flight disruptions linked to the Middle East crisis, the Chief Minister said the government was taking up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs. He said the 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.