Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday confirmed that the expansion of the Union Territory’s Council of Ministers will take place, indicating that the process is likely to move forward after August 15. He assured the long-awaited expansion of his Council of Ministers will take place only after the Independence Day celebrations.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Omar initially said the expansion would be carried out soon but clarified that it would not take place before the Independence Day celebrations.Asked specifically whether there would be a Cabinet expansion, the Chief Minister said, “Yes, there will be. It will be done. No problem.” Omar Abdullah said he was in talks with the concerned authorities on the cabinet expansion.
Asked if the expansion would take place on August 15, Omar denied the speculations and said he was talking to the minister. "The exercise would take place and it will be done soon," he added.The proposed expansion has been under discussion amid expectations of wider political representation and possible changes in the allocation of portfolios within the Council of Ministers.
Omar did not specify a date for the exercise or disclose the names of leaders who may be inducted into the ministry. Further consultations with leaders of the ruling alliance are expected before the names of new ministers and their portfolios are finalised.
The expansion is being closely watched in political circles, particularly over the representation of different regions of Jammu and Kashmir and the possible strengthening of the government’s administrative set-up.The Omar Abdullah-led government was formed after the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, in which the National Conference emerged as the single-largest party.
Commenting on reports that Home Minister Amit Shah may address issues raised by the opposition in Parliament, Omar welcomed the move, saying that's what Parliament or any Assembly is meant for."The opposition's job is to raise issues. The government's job is to respond to those issues," Omar added.
He said if the issues raised during the Jantar Mantar protest are addressed in Parliament and the move helps the House resume functioning, it would be a positive developmentOn the pending appointment letters for outstanding sportspersons, Omar said around 230 appointment letters would be issued. He added that Sports Minister Satish Sharma had assured the athletes that the process would be completed in the coming weeks.
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