SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the expansion and reshuffle of the Council of Ministers would take place within the next two to three days, adding that the list of prospective ministers had already been finalised in consultation with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar after meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Omar said he had formally requested the LG to fix a time during the first two or three days of next week to carry out the changes and expand the ministry.
“I discussed the reshuffle with the Lieutenant Governor and 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. The Lieutenant Governor will fix the time, and the expansion will take place,” he said.
The chief minister said the selection process had been completed following consultations with Farooq Abdullah, ruling out further lobbying by party colleagues seeking ministerial positions.
“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,” Omar said.
In a direct message to aspirants, he urged party colleagues to stop calling him, sending WhatsApp messages or approaching senior leaders to influence the cabinet formation.
He said he had been receiving numerous messages from aspirants containing lengthy accounts of their political backgrounds and achievements.
“Do not send me WhatsApp messages. I am receiving so many messages, with people writing long accounts and sending their entire biodata, as if I do not know them. The decision that had to be made has already been made,” he said.
Reiterating that further lobbying would not change the outcome, Omar urged his colleagues to remain patient until the expansion was formally carried out.
“Please do not WhatsApp, do not call and do not knock on doors. Whatever has to be done will be done in the next two to three days,” he said.
The chief minister also invoked faith while asking aspirants to accept the outcome of the selection process.
“First Allah will decide, then we will. Those who are to be appointed will be appointed. I request my colleagues to be patient,” he said.
Meeting with Lieutenant Governor
Explaining the circumstances of his meeting with Manoj Sinha, Omar said the Lieutenant Governor had recently returned to Srinagar after being unwell and that he wanted to enquire about his health.
He said the meeting was also necessary to discuss several matters concerning Jammu and Kashmir and seek the Lieutenant Governor’s advice.
“The Lieutenant Governor had been a little unwell, and I wanted to enquire about his health. There were several matters on which I needed to speak to him and seek his advice. It had been a long time since we met, so I requested time and met him today,” Omar said.
The chief minister confirmed that the cabinet reshuffle and expansion formed an important part of their discussions.
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