Fresh inductions, portfolio changes and regional balance in focus; One Jammu Division Minister likely to be dropped
SRINAGAR: Preparations for a much-anticipated reshuffle of the Omar Abdullah-led Jammu and Kashmir government have gathered momentum, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reportedly beginning to extend invitations to guests for the proposed swearing-in ceremony of new ministers, likely to be held on Tuesday morning.
According to sources, the oath-taking ceremony is expected to take place at Lok Bhavan here, where the Lieutenant Governor will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the newly inducted members of the Council of Ministers.
The proposed exercise is expected to bring fresh faces into the government, trigger changes in the distribution of ministerial portfolios and address regional representation within the ruling National Conference-led dispensation.
Political circles in Jammu and Kashmir have been abuzz with speculation over the likely entrants, with several regions, including Poonch, Ramban, Anantnag, other districts in Kashmir, being discussed in connection with the possible reshuffle.
Sources indicated that at least one minister from the Jammu division could be dropped to accommodate a new face.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had said on Saturday that the list of ministers had been finalised after consultations with National Conference president and former chief minister Dr Farooq Abdullah.
The Chief Minister had also urged party colleagues to refrain from lobbying for ministerial positions, including through phone calls and messages, signalling that the leadership had moved towards concluding the exercise.
The anticipated reshuffle comes amid growing political interest in the composition of the Council of Ministers, particularly the balance between Jammu and Kashmir divisions, representation of different regions and the induction of legislators who have so far remained outside the government.
While the National Conference leadership has maintained control over the decision-making process, the final list is expected to reflect the party leadership’s assessment of administrative performance, political considerations and regional aspirations.
Besides inducting new ministers, the government is likely to undertake a redistribution of portfolios among existing members.
Some ministers could be assigned new departments, while important portfolios may be allocated to the incoming members after the swearing-in ceremony.
The reshuffle is being watched closely as it could influence the functioning of key departments and the government’s approach to governance, development and public welfare across the Union Territory.
Under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Council of Ministers cannot exceed 10 per cent of the total strength of the Legislative Assembly. With 90 elected seats, the maximum permissible strength is nine ministers, including the Chief Minister.
The limited number of positions makes the reshuffle politically significant, as the leadership must accommodate competing claims for representation while retaining a compact Council of Ministers.