Srinagar, October 24, KDC: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the expansion and reshuffle of the Jammu and Kashmir Council of Ministers would take place within the next two to three days, making it clear that the selection of ministers had already been finalised and urging party colleagues to stop lobbying for berths.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Srinagar, Omar said he had requested the Lieutenant Governor to schedule the exercise during the first two or three days of next week.
The Chief Minister said the list of prospective ministers had been finalised after consultations with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, leaving little scope for further attempts to influence the decision.
“The decision about who will become a minister has already been made,” Omar said, asking aspirants not to approach senior leaders or contact him in an attempt to secure a place in the Council.
In a pointed message to those seeking ministerial positions, Omar said he had been receiving numerous WhatsApp messages from party colleagues, some 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,” he said.
Reiterating that further lobbying would not change the outcome, Omar urged his colleagues to remain patient until the expansion was formally announced.
“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.
Omar said the meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was also an opportunity to enquire about his health after his recent illness and discuss several matters concerning Jammu and Kashmir on which he sought the Lieutenant Governor’s advice.
He confirmed that the cabinet expansion and reshuffle figured among the issues discussed during the meeting.
The proposed exercise is expected to bring changes to the existing Council of Ministers, although the names of those to be inducted or dropped have not been officially announced. (KDC)
