Omar Abdullah cabinet expansion delay stirs NC rumblings, BJP taunts

Omar Abdullah faces growing demands within his National Conference (NC) to expand his cabinet

SRINAGAR: Nearly two years after taking office, J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah faces growing demands within his National Conference (NC) to expand his cabinet amid opposition allegations he has avoided doing so as there are too many hopefuls and it could lead to his govt’s collapse. “If you (Omar) are not going ahead with the expansion, it only lends credence to BJP’s claims that NC is one cabinet expansion away from implosion. If only to call BJP’s bluff, you should go ahead with the cabinet expansion,” an NC senior said. An NC legislator from Srinagar echoed the view. “If the CM will not do it now, then when?” he asked, pleading anonymity. The disquiet comes weeks after many NC members stressed the expansion demand at a party meeting in Srinagar’s Dachigam National Park on June 3, expressing lack of confidence in the performance of some ministers. Omar was sworn in on Oct 16, 2024, along with five ministers, including deputy CM Surinder Choudhary. At present, three cabinet berths remain vacant. Under the norms, the strength of the council of ministers cannot exceed 10% of the total strength of the assembly. The J&K assembly has 90 members, capping the council of ministers at nine. Leader of opposition, BJP’s Sunil Sharma, reiterated claims that NC will “implode” if Omar went ahead with cabinet expansion.

“The chief minister has failed to expand his cabinet for nearly two years. If he is not able to do so, how can you expect justice from him,” Sharma said. At the Dachigam meeting, many NC legislators had complained that the current five ministers in Omar’s team were saddled with many departments and unable to fulfil responsibilities effectively. Omar has allocated deputy CM Surinder Kumar Choudhary public works, industries and commerce, mining, labour and skill development.

Sakeena Itoo handles health and medical education, school education, higher education and social welfare. Javed Ahmed Rana oversees water resources, forest, environment and tribal affairs. Javid Ahmad Dar is tasked with agriculture, panchayati raj and cooperatives. Satish Sharma is responsible for food, consumer affairs, transport, science, IT, youth affairs, sports, and training. Officially, NC insisted cabinet expansion and its timing are Omar’s discretion. The party’s chief spokesperson and MLA, Tanvir Sadiq, stressed the “prerogative of the CM” and said he would take a decision on the expansion when appropriate. He didn’t offer any reasons for the delay.