CM Omar announces cabinet expansion & reshuffle in 2-3 days as ministers list finalised
STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 24 (STC): Reacting to the reports of the expansion and reshuffle of the Jammu and Kashmir Council of Ministers, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that the list had already been finalised after consultations with National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
The Chief Minister has made it clear that the selection process was already over and the names of those who would be inducted into the ministry had been decided in consultation with Dr. Farooq Abdullah, leaving no scope for further lobbying.
”After consultations with Farooq Abdullah, the list is ready. 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,” Omar said.
In an unusually direct message to party colleagues seeking ministerial berths, the Chief Minister asked them to stop making calls, sending WhatsApp messages and approaching senior leaders in an attempt to influence the cabinet formation.
He said that he had been receiving numerous messages from aspirants, including lengthy accounts of their political backgrounds and achievements.
”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.
Omar reiterated that further lobbying would not change the decisions already taken and urged his colleagues to remain patient until the expansion was formally carried out.
The Chief Minister also invoked faith while asking aspirants to accept the outcome of the selection process.
Earlier, explaining the circumstances of his meeting with the Lieutenant Governor, Omar said Manoj Sinha had recently returned to Srinagar after being unwell and that he wanted to enquire about his health.
He said the meeting was also important because several matters required discussion and the Lieutenant Governor’s advice.
”The Lieutenant Governor had been a little unwell, and I wanted to enquire about his health. There were several matters on which I needed to speak to him and seek his advice. It had been a long time since we met, so I requested time and met him today,” Omar said.
The Chief Minister, however, confirmed that the cabinet reshuffle and expansion formed an important part of the discussions.
(Straight Talk Communications I Inputs from KNS)
