NC offers Congress cabinet berth ahead of J&K ministry expansion: Sources

SRINAGAR — Ahead of the proposed expansion of the council of ministers, the ruling National Conference (NC) is learnt to have made a fresh offer to the Congress to join the Omar Abdullah-led government’s ministerial team.

Sources told the news agency KNO that the NC has conveyed to the Congress that it can join the council of ministers if willing.

“The NC discussed the matter with All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary in-charge for Jammu & Kashmir and Rajya Sabha MP, Syed Naseer Hussain. He is understood to have told them that he would respond after consulting the high command,” sources said.

Sources further said Hussain discussed the matter with the J&K Congress leadership during his recent visit to the Union Territory, adding that the Congress remains indecisive on the matter.

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At the time of formation of the NC-led government in October 2024, the party had reached out to the Congress with an offer of one berth in the council of ministers, but the Congress had demanded two. The Congress later publicly stated that it would not join the government until the restoration of J&K’s statehood.

The fresh offer comes at a time when Omar Abdullah is planning a reshuffle and expansion of the council of ministers he heads.

As per the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, the council of ministers in the Union Territory can have a maximum of nine members, as its strength cannot exceed 10 percent of the total strength of the Assembly.