Ramban, Poonch, Anantnag, Central Kashmir and North Kashmir Among Regions Under Consideration; At Least One Jammu Division Minister May Be Dropped
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Likely to Administer Oath at Lok Bhavan; Omar Abdullah Says Ministerial List Has Been Finalised
Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, October 25 :
Jammu and Kashmir is likely to see changes in its Council of Ministers on Tuesday, with the swearing-in ceremony for newly inducted ministers expected to be held at Lok Bhavan, according to sources familiar with the developments.
The anticipated cabinet reshuffle is expected to focus on regional representation, the induction of fresh faces and a possible redistribution of portfolios among members of the Omar Abdullah-led government.
Political circles are closely watching the possibility of representation for several areas, including Ramban and Poonch in the Jammu division, Anantnag district, Central Kashmir and North Kashmir. However, the names of prospective ministers and the final regional composition of the Council of Ministers have not yet been officially announced.
Sources indicated that at least one minister from the Jammu division could be dropped as part of the proposed exercise. There is also speculation that legislators from Ramban and Anantnag may be considered for ministerial positions, while leaders from other parts of Kashmir could also figure in the selection process. These possibilities remain unconfirmed.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is expected to administer the oath of office and secrecy to the newly inducted ministers if the ceremony takes place as anticipated. Sources indicated that the final list could reach Lok Bhavan by Monday evening or Tuesday morning.
Portfolio Changes Also Likely
The proposed exercise may extend beyond the induction of new ministers, with changes in the allocation of departments also being considered. Some existing ministers could be assigned different portfolios, while newly inducted members may be given charge of important departments.
The final distribution of portfolios is expected to follow the swearing-in ceremony, subject to an official decision by the government.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had said on Saturday that the list of ministers had been finalised following consultations with National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah. He had also advised party colleagues against lobbying for ministerial positions.
The anticipated reshuffle has generated considerable interest within political circles, particularly regarding the balance between the Jammu division and Kashmir, the possible exit of an existing minister and the induction of new faces into the government.
Council of Ministers Limited to Nine Members
Under the applicable provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the total strength of the Council of Ministers, including the Chief Minister, cannot exceed 10 per cent of the Legislative Assembly’s total membership.
With the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly comprising 90 elected seats, the Council of Ministers can have a maximum of nine members, including the Chief Minister.
The final composition of the Council, the identities of the incoming ministers and the allocation of portfolios are expected to become clear once the formal announcement is made.
For now, the proposed Tuesday ceremony remains subject to official confirmation, with regional representation and changes in the ministerial team emerging as the key points of interest.(KNC)