Srinagar, Oct 24 (NVI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is set to undertake the first reshuffle of his two-year-old Council of Ministers within a few days.
He met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today after which he said names have been finalised for induction in his ministry in consultation with his National Conference president Farooq Abdullah.
“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.
Asserting 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.
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.
“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.
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.—(NVI)
