CM Seeks LG Manoj Sinha’s Time for Cabinet Exercise; Says Ministerial Names Finalised After Consultations
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 24 (KNB): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has indicated that changes to his Council of Ministers are likely next week, with the proposed exercise expected to include the induction of new ministers and a reshuffle of existing portfolios.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar on Saturday after meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan, Omar said he had sought time from the LG during the first two to three days of next week to proceed with the cabinet exercise.
The Chief Minister said the list of ministers had been finalised after consultations with National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah, and urged party leaders and those seeking ministerial berths to refrain from lobbying, making it clear that the decision had already been taken.
The proposed move is expected to bring changes to the composition of the government, with the induction of new faces and possible changes in ministerial responsibilities likely to remain the focus ahead of the announcement.
On reports of Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia, Omar said the matter was being taken up with the Ministry of External Affairs. He added that the Jammu and Kashmir Government was ready to provide financial assistance from its own resources if the situation required it.
Asked about regulatory powers concerning dentistry, the Chief Minister said the relevant business rules would need to be examined to determine whether the matter fell under the Union Government or the elected government of Jammu and Kashmir.
On issues relating to the China border, Omar maintained that the matter fell within the jurisdiction of the Government of India and the Ladakh administration.
The next week’s cabinet exercise is likely to be a key political development for the National Conference-led government, with attention centred on the induction of new ministers, the reshuffling of portfolios and the final shape of the Council of Ministers. (KNB)