Srinagar, Oct 24: The long-awaited expansion and reshuffle of the Jammu and Kashmir Council of Ministers is likely to take place next week, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah indicating that the decision on the selection of ministers has already been finalized.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Omar asked party colleagues seeking ministerial positions to stop lobbying and wait for the formal announcement. He said the file was with National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah.
“The decision that had to be made has been made. Now please do not WhatsApp, do not call, do not knock on the door. Whatever has to be done will be done in the next two to three days,” the Chief Minister said.
Omar said he had been receiving numerous messages and calls from party colleagues sharing their biodata and seeking ministerial berths. He urged them to avoid such approaches, stressing that the decision had already been taken.
The proposed reshuffle is expected to include the induction of new ministers and possible changes in portfolios. The government currently has six ministers, including the Chief Minister, while three positions remain vacant under the permissible strength of nine ministers.
Omar said he had requested time for the cabinet expansion, adding that the Lieutenant Governor would decide the date for the exercise. The formal announcement is expected after the completion of the necessary procedures.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said he would raise the issue of Kashmiri Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia with the Ministry of External Affairs and explore options to facilitate their return.
At least 34 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir have reportedly been unable to return as scheduled following flight cancellations. Some are facing additional expenses for accommodation, food and medicines.
Acknowledging the increase in airfares, Omar said flights were operating and indicated that efforts would be made to find a way to bring the affected pilgrims home. Their families have sought the administration's intervention to ensure an early return.
The cabinet expansion has been pending for several months, with discussions centred on the induction of new faces, regional representation and the allocation of portfolios. Next week is now being viewed as a likely timeframe for the reshuffle, although the final date will be decided by the Lieutenant Governor.
Srinagar, Oct 24: The long-awaited expansion and reshuffle of the Jammu and Kashmir Council of Ministers is likely to take place next week, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah indicating that the decision on the selection of ministers has already been finalized.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Omar asked party colleagues seeking ministerial positions to stop lobbying and wait for the formal announcement. He said the file was with National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah.
“The decision that had to be made has been made. Now please do not WhatsApp, do not call, do not knock on the door. Whatever has to be done will be done in the next two to three days,” the Chief Minister said.
Omar said he had been receiving numerous messages and calls from party colleagues sharing their biodata and seeking ministerial berths. He urged them to avoid such approaches, stressing that the decision had already been taken.
The proposed reshuffle is expected to include the induction of new ministers and possible changes in portfolios. The government currently has six ministers, including the Chief Minister, while three positions remain vacant under the permissible strength of nine ministers.
Omar said he had requested time for the cabinet expansion, adding that the Lieutenant Governor would decide the date for the exercise. The formal announcement is expected after the completion of the necessary procedures.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said he would raise the issue of Kashmiri Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia with the Ministry of External Affairs and explore options to facilitate their return.
At least 34 pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir have reportedly been unable to return as scheduled following flight cancellations. Some are facing additional expenses for accommodation, food and medicines.
Acknowledging the increase in airfares, Omar said flights were operating and indicated that efforts would be made to find a way to bring the affected pilgrims home. Their families have sought the administration's intervention to ensure an early return.
The cabinet expansion has been pending for several months, with discussions centred on the induction of new faces, regional representation and the allocation of portfolios. Next week is now being viewed as a likely timeframe for the reshuffle, although the final date will be decided by the Lieutenant Governor.
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