Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is likely to undertake a major Cabinet reshuffle next week, with five senior National Conference leaders reportedly being considered for induction and two incumbent ministers expected to be dropped, according to media reports.
A major Cabinet reshuffle may be on the cards in Jammu and Kashmir. Reports suggest that Abdul Rahim Rather, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Nazir Gurezi, Altaf Kalloo and Aijaz Jan may be inducted as ministers, while two existing ministers could be dropped. Mubarak Gul is also being discussed as a possible successor to Rather as Assembly Speaker. If these reports hold true, some significant changes are expected in Omar Abdullah’s government.
The proposed reshuffle comes ahead of the completion of two years of the Omar Abdullah-led government and is expected to reshape the political and administrative landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Among the leaders reportedly being considered for ministerial positions are Abdul Rahim Rather, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Nazir Gurezi, Altaf Kalloo and Aijaz Jan. The reported choices indicate a preference for experienced legislators, with the party apparently seeking to give senior leaders greater responsibility in the government.
Abdul Rahim Rather is also expected to step down as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, with Mubarak Gul reportedly being considered as his possible successor.
The reshuffle is expected to bring changes in ministerial portfolios as well. Sources cited in media reports suggest that the Chief Minister has sought resignations from the existing ministers as part of the proposed restructuring.
Congress, which contested the 2024 Assembly elections in alliance with the National Conference, is reportedly unlikely to join the government until Jammu and Kashmir regains statehood. Independent legislators are also unlikely to be accommodated in the proposed expansion.
Under the applicable limit for a Union Territory with a 90-member Assembly, Jammu and Kashmir can have a maximum of nine ministers, including the Chief Minister.
While the final composition of the Cabinet remains subject to an official announcement, the proposed reshuffle is being viewed as a significant political development as the government approaches its second anniversary.
