Srinagar, October 7: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has indicated that the long-awaited reshuffle of his Council of Ministers is likely to be taken up after the GST Council meeting in New Delhi and subsequent discussions with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Omar said the cabinet exercise was expected to be carried out earlier, but the recently concluded autumn session of the J&K Legislative Assembly delayed the process.
He said he had planned to undertake the exercise during the current period, but his upcoming engagement in Delhi would now take priority.
Omar said that after attending the GST Council meeting, he would return and hold consultations with Farooq Abdullah regarding the proposed reshuffle.
The possibility of a cabinet reshuffle has been under discussion for several weeks, with reports suggesting that it could involve changes in ministerial portfolios as well as the inclusion of new faces. However, no official details have been announced regarding any ministers who could be inducted, dropped or reassigned.
The J&K Council of Ministers currently comprises Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, and ministers Sakeena Masood Itoo, Javed Ahmed Rana, Javid Ahmad Dar and Satish Sharma.
Omar, who also holds the Finance portfolio, is a member of the GST Council. The 57th GST Council meeting is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on October 8.
The Chief Minister’s remarks suggest that the cabinet reshuffle could move ahead after the GST Council meeting and consultations with the National Conference leadership.
