J&K Cabinet expansion, reshuffle to take place next week: CM Omar Abdullah

The Jammu and Kashmir CM said the exercise is likely in the first two to three days of next week, adding that the list has been finalised and urging party colleagues not to seek ministerial berths

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the expansion and reshuffle of his council of ministers will take place in the first two to three days of next week.

Speaking to reporters here, Abdullah said he had sought time from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for the exercise. The chief minister met Sinha at the Lok Bhawan here on Saturday morning.

"Yes, it (reshuffle) certainly was (discussed). I requested time from him for the expansion and asked him that in the first two to three days of next week, I will carry out the expansion and certain changes in my Council of Ministers," the chief minister said.

 

He said the Lt Governor would fix a time for the exercise, following which the expansion would take place.

Abdullah, however, appealed to his party colleagues and MLAs not to approach him or National Conference president Farooq Abdullah seeking ministerial berths, saying the list has already been finalised.

"After consultations with Dr. Farooq Abdullah Sahib, the list has been finalised. There is no need to knock on Farooq Sahib's door, my door, or anyone else's door. The decision of who will become a minister is not pending; it has already been made. So, I request my colleagues to please be patient," he said.

Abdullah said whatever is destined to happen is first determined by the Almighty as he urged his colleagues to refrain from sending messages, making phone calls or approaching party leaders.

"Please stop sending WhatsApp messages. I am receiving endless, lengthy messages... entire books are being written, sending full biodatas as if I don't know who they are! I already know them and their work," he said.

"Whatever has to happen will take place in the next two to three days," he added.