Omar Abdullah government of Jammu and Kashmir may expand its cabinet in the second week of May. Even after 20 months of government formation, 3 cabinet berths are still lying vacant. According to party sources, Omar Abdullah can appoint new faces in his cabinet between May 12 and May 20. A cabinet meeting is also proposed on May 12 and after that, extension is considered possible in the next few days. After becoming a Union Territory, apart from the Chief Minister, a maximum of 8 cabinet ministers can be made in Jammu and Kashmir, but in order to avoid any opposition in the party, Omar Abdullah has been continuously postponing the cabinet expansion.
Cabinet expansion pressure
In the 2024 elections, the National Conference had managed to win 42 seats, most of which came from the Valley. In such a situation, to maintain balance in the government, an independent MLA from Jammu region and two of its own MLAs were given a place in the cabinet. Surendra Chaudhary, who had won from Nowshera, was made the Deputy CM, while Satish Sharma, who left Congress and won as an independent, was also included in the cabinet. Along with this, Javed Rana was made minister from Poonch quota, while only Samina Ittu and Javed Dar from Valley have been made ministers so far. For the last several months, there has been constant pressure within the party regarding cabinet expansion and it has been postponed every time.
Struggle in NC regarding cabinet berth
According to sources, Omar Abdullah wants to give place to MLAs close to him in the cabinet, but this may increase resentment in the party as many senior leaders are in the race for ministerial posts. This is the reason why cabinet expansion has been continuously postponed. Now there is discussion that balance can be created by including MLAs from North Kashmir, South Kashmir and Srinagar, and some leaders can also be adjusted by making them chairman of the boards.
Congress party is waiting for statehood
On the other hand, National Conference had formed an alliance with Congress in 2024, but Congress could win only 6 seats. At that time, Congress was offered a cabinet berth, but the party refused to join the government over the issue of statehood. There is still speculation that Congress may be given a seat, but in the current situation it is considered difficult for it to enter the government.
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