Aazan Manzoor
Srinagar, Oct 24 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday announced that the much-anticipated expansion of his Council of Ministers would take place within the next two to three days, asserting that the list of ministers had been finalised after consultations with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhawan in Srinagar, as per news agency JKNS, Chief Minister said he had requested the Lieutenant Governor to schedule the exercise during the first few days of next week.
“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,” Omar said.
Signalling that the selection process had been completed, the Chief Minister made it clear that the names of those to be inducted had already been decided following consultations with Farooq Abdullah.
“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,” he said.
In a pointed message to party colleagues aspiring for ministerial positions, Omar asked them to stop lobbying and refrain from making repeated calls or sending WhatsApp messages in an attempt to influence the selection process.
The Chief Minister said he had been receiving numerous messages from aspirants, including lengthy accounts of their political backgrounds and achievements, but stressed that such efforts would not alter the decisions already taken.
“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.
Urging his colleagues to exercise patience, Omar reiterated that no amount of lobbying would change the outcome.
“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.
“First Allah will decide, then we will. Those who are to be appointed will be appointed. I request my colleagues to be patient,” the Chief Minister added.
Omar also said that his meeting with the Lieutenant Governor was partly intended to enquire about his health, as Sinha had recently returned to Srinagar after being unwell. He said several other matters requiring discussion and advice were also taken up during the meeting.
However, the Chief Minister confirmed that the proposed Cabinet reshuffle and expansion featured among the issues discussed with the Lieutenant Governor.
The proposed expansion is expected to bring changes to the composition of the Omar Abdullah-led Council of Ministers, with the final exercise anticipated within the next few days. (JKNS)
