Shabir Ali
The much-anticipated expansion of Jammu Kashmir’s council of ministers is unlikely to take place anytime soon.
With the government completing over five months in office, discussions over filling the remaining cabinet berths have intensified, but party insiders suggest that no immediate changes are expected.
The government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, took oath on October 16, 2024, with five ministers sworn into key positions alongside him. Surinder Kumar Choudhary, serving as Deputy Chief Minister, oversees Public Works, Industries & Commerce, and other portfolios. Sakina Itoo handles Health, Education, and Social Welfare, while Javed Ahmed Rana is in charge of Jal Shakti and Forests. Satish Sharma has been given the portfolios of Food & Civil Supplies, Transport, and Information Technology, among others. Javed Ahmad Dar is also part of the cabinet.
With the current strength at six ministers, there is room for three more under the revised constitutional framework, which allows only nine ministers in the Union Territory’s cabinet.
However, sources within the government indicate that the leadership is in no rush to make appointments.
“This is a delicate matter. There are several aspirants for ministerial berths, and many of them are senior leaders who have done commendable work both before and after the elections,” sources within National Conference told The Kashmiriyat. “It is not just about filling positions; it is about maintaining balance and ensuring representation.”
The delay in expansion is also tied to the upcoming bypoll in Budgam, a seat left vacant after its elected representative, Omar Abdullah, won from Ganderbal seat too.
The bypoll is expected to be a tough contest, with multiple names being considered for the seat.
Sources said the NC leadership is keen on fielding Nasir Sogami, but the decision is complicated by Budgam’s political history.
The seat has traditionally been held by the Aga family, most recently by Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, and replacing the influential family’s hold could lead to internal friction.
Another name under discussion is Aga Mehmood of the NC, though the PDP is expected to field Aga Muntazir, son of senior cleric and influential leader Aga Syed Hassan.
Muntazir, who enjoys strong grassroots support in the region, could pose a significant challenge to NC’s candidate.
“There is no doubt that this is a crucial seat, and the decision has to be taken carefully,” a party insider told The Kashmiriyat. “While Nasir Sogami is a strong contender, there is pressure to stick to the party’s traditional base in Budgam. The leadership will have to weigh its options carefully to ensure victory.”
For now, all eyes remain on Budgam, where the bypoll will likely shape not just the constituency’s political future but also influence the long-pending cabinet expansion in Jammu Kashmir.
Author Profile
Latest entries
Representational ImageREGIONALApril 6, 202510-year-old boy dies, six injured in blaze at Shah e Hamdan Darul Uloom at Tral; Hundreds of books reduced to ashes
REGIONALApril 5, 2025Prominent Shia scholar Agha Syed Hadi Kashmiri put under house Arrest
REGIONALApril 5, 2025Shopian youth runs from Uri to raise awareness for a drug-free Kashmir
REGIONALApril 5, 2025Shabir Ahmed Dar elected president of Sopore Media Association