Srinagar, Aug 18 (NVI): The ruling National Conference is considering a reshuffle and expansion of the Omar Abdullah-led Council of Ministers, with discussions underway on fresh inductions, redistribution of portfolios and possible changes among the existing ministers, sources said on Tuesday.
The exercise has gained momentum after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah indicated ahead of Independence Day that a cabinet expansion and reshuffle could be considered after August 15.
The Council of Ministers currently has six members, including the chief minister and deputy chief minister, while the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly allows for a maximum of eight ministers, leaving room for two more inductions.
According to sources, the party leadership is holding consultations on possible candidates for ministerial berths. Names being discussed include Srinagar MLA Tanvir Sadiq, Sopore MLA Irshad Rasool Kar, Kupwara MLA Mir Saifullah, Pahalgam MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani, Anantnag MLA Bashir Ahmad Veeri and Poonch MLA Ijaz Ahmad Jan.
However, no final decision has been taken and the names remain under consideration, sources said, adding that the final composition would depend on political, regional and administrative considerations.
The proposed exercise may also involve redistribution of portfolios among the existing ministers. Some ministers could be given new departments, while the possibility of dropping one or more ministers has also not been ruled out, sources said.
The current Council comprises Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, and ministers Sakina Masood Itoo, Javed Ahmed Rana, Javed Ahmed Dar and Satish Sharma.
Meanwhile, the Congress, which is an alliance partner of the National Conference, has so far not joined the government despite being approached over participation in the Council of Ministers.
The timing and final shape of the proposed cabinet exercise are yet to be decided by the National Conference leadership, sources said.(NVI)
