J&K CM Omar Abdullah hints at cabinet expansion, talks about EC, SIR & delimitation issues

Congratulates PM Modi gor completing 25 years in public life.

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 07 (STC): Hinting at the possibility of cabinet expansion in Jammu and Kashmir after the GST Council meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that if the report published by ‘The Indian Express’ about the ongoing protest against the Chief Election Commissioner was wrong or fabricated, then why did the government not take defamation action against the newspaper?
According to the National News Bureau (NNB), speaking to media persons on the sidelines of an event in Srinagar,

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the sidelines of an event here today has said that the decision regarding the expansion of his Council of Ministers will be taken after his return from his visit to New Delhi and after consultation with National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
He said that the government can take a final decision on the matter after the GST Council meeting.
In response to a question regarding the recent administrative changes and transfers of officers, the Chief Minister said that some transfers have been made by the elected government while some administrative changes have been implemented by the Lieutenant Governor. He said that the government will work closely with the officers posted in various departments and the administrative matters will be taken forward in a better manner.
Regarding the pending rules for recruitment in government medical colleges, Omar Abdullah said that the rules are almost ready and they are being finalized. He said that there were some discrepancies between the already prepared rules and the proposed rules which are being removed.
The Chief Minister said that the government does not want to act hastily in this matter because it would not be appropriate for any problem to arise after the implementation of the rules. According to him, the recruitment rules are expected to be notified soon.
Regarding the sports infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah said that the government is simultaneously expanding sports facilities and appointing coaches so that better training opportunities can be provided to young athletes. He said that an Olympic-standard swimming pool has been established in Kashmir and arrangements are being made for a solar-powered heating system to make it usable for training throughout the year.
The Chief Minister further said that an indoor gymnastics hall has also been started.
“The government does not want to be limited to traditional sports, including cricket, football, hockey and volleyball, but is trying to provide alternative opportunities for children and youth in various sports,” CM Omar said.
On a question about Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 25 years in public life, he said that winning consecutive elections for such a long time is not an easy task. He said, “I congratulate him on behalf of myself and my colleagues.”
Regarding the ongoing protest against the Chief Election Commissioner, the Chief Minister asked the government that if the report published by ‘The Indian Express’ was wrong or fabricated, why did the government not take defamation action against the newspaper? He said that if the report was not correct, the government should have at least filed a defamation case against the newspaper.
He said that the current protest was actually organized by the leaders of the India Bloc in New Delhi. It is part of the programme announced after a recent meeting.
Regarding the proposed Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah expressed apprehension that the process could be used to interfere in the elections. He referred to the previous delimitation exercise and alleged that it was aimed at benefiting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The Chief Minister said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have already been victims of such alleged interference and have not forgotten the delimitation exercise yet. He said, “We have already been victims of such interference. We have not forgotten the delimitation yet.” He also expressed hope on the ongoing proceedings in the Supreme Court, especially the issue related to Form 6, that the court proceedings would make it more difficult to remove names from the voter lists. He said that transparency of electoral rolls and protection of the rights of eligible voters are of utmost importance and the government is monitoring the progress on the issue.
(Straight Talk Communications)