The Cabinet expansion in Jammu and Kashmir is expected to occur after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha returns to the Union Territory, according to National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
Dr. Abdullah made this statement on the sidelines of a workers' convention in Budgam, where he attributed the delay in Cabinet expansion to the Lieutenant Governor's illness. The National Conference-led Government, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, completed two years in office on October 16 without expanding the Council of Ministers. Previously, on October 7, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had hinted that a decision on expanding his Council of Ministers would be taken shortly after consultations with his father and NC president, Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
The National Conference had offered a cabinet berth to its ally, Congress, but the party declined to join the government, choosing instead to extend support from outside until full statehood is restored to Jammu and Kashmir. This development highlights the complex political landscape in the region, with various parties navigating their relationships and priorities.
During his address to NC workers, Dr. Abdullah expressed his disagreement with the Supreme Court's decision on the abrogation of Article 370 by the Centre, calling it "wrong." He referenced earlier apex court judgments that deemed Article 370 permanent and irrevocable. Dr. Abdullah also criticized the Centre for failing to deliver on its promises regarding the restoration of statehood and the issuance of business rules, which were expected to clarify the powers of the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister.
Regarding the recent attacks on buses carrying Kashmiris in Haryana, Dr. Abdullah mentioned that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had taken up the matter with his Haryana counterpart, seeking immediate action to prevent such incidents from recurring. Dr. Abdullah expressed concern over attempts by some individuals to create unrest and disturb communal harmony, describing such actions as the work of "miscreants who want to create a storm in the country."
