Srinagar, Oct 24 (NVI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the expansion of his Council of Ministers is likely to take place in the first two to three days of next week, adding that the names of those to be inducted have been finalised after consultations with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah.
Omar made the remarks after meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhawan here, where he said he had requested the LG to fix a time for the exercise.
“I discussed the reshuffle with the Lieutenant Governor and requested him to fix a time within the first two or three days of next week. I will make some changes and expand my Council of Ministers,” the chief minister told reporters.
He said the Lieutenant Governor would decide the timing of the expansion.
Indicating that the selection process had been completed, Omar asked party colleagues aspiring for ministerial positions to refrain from lobbying, making calls or sending messages to influence the decision.
“There is no need to knock on Farooq Abdullah’s door, my door or anyone else’s door. The decision about who will become a minister has already been made,” he said.
The chief minister said he had received several WhatsApp messages from aspirants detailing their political backgrounds and achievements, but such efforts would not affect the decisions already taken.
“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. The decision that had to be made has already been made,” he said.
Urging his colleagues to remain patient, Omar said the expansion would take place within the next two to three days, subject to the schedule fixed by the Lieutenant Governor.
“First Allah will decide, then we will. Those who are to be appointed will be appointed. I request my colleagues to be patient,” he added.
Omar said he also enquired about Sinha’s health during the meeting, as the Lieutenant Governor had recently returned to Srinagar after being unwell. Several other matters requiring discussion and advice were also taken up, he said.
The proposed expansion is expected to bring changes to the composition of the Omar Abdullah-led Council of Ministers.—(NVI)
