Jammu, July 2: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet would soon undergo an expansion and reshuffle, with the exercise likely to take place either shortly before or after the National Conference’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi seeking the restoration of statehood.
Speaking in an interview , Omar said the decision on the Cabinet exercise was almost final and that it was his responsibility to carry it out. He indicated that the need for changes became evident after the party’s meeting at Dachigam on June 3.
At present, the Jammu and Kashmir Council of Ministers comprises Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and eight Cabinet ministers. Omar noted that there is scope to induct more ministers, making a Cabinet expansion possible.
The National Conference has announced a protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20, the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, to press for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
