Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced on Saturday that the expansion and reshuffle of his council of ministers will occur within the first two to three days of the upcoming week.
Speaking to journalists in Srinagar, the Chief Minister confirmed that he had requested an appointment with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to move forward with the process. Earlier in the day, Mr. Abdullah met with the Lieutenant Governor at the Lok Bhawan.
Mr. Abdullah explained that he discussed the upcoming changes during his meeting, informing Mr. Sinha that he intends to carry out the expansion and certain portfolio adjustments early next week once the Lieutenant Governor assigns a suitable time.
In light of the impending changes, the Chief Minister appealed directly to his party colleagues and members of the legislative assembly to avoid lobbying him or National Conference president Farooq Abdullah for ministerial positions. He emphasized that the roster of ministers has already been locked in following discussions with Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
Urging patience among his party members, Mr. Abdullah asked them not to visit party leaders or send lengthy text messages and biographical details detailing their qualifications, noting that he is already well acquainted with them and their track records.
The Chief Minister concluded by reiterating that the final decisions have been made and that the administrative changes will proceed swiftly in the coming days.