Omar Abdullah Likely to Reshuffle J&K Cabinet Next Week: Sources

Jammu and Kashmir is likely to see a Cabinet reshuffle next week, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reportedly seeking resignations from members of his Council of Ministers before the proposed changes. The information has come from well-placed political sources, although the reported resignations and possible reshuffle have not been independently confirmed.

Sources indicate that Youth Services and Sports Minister Satish Sharma and Forest Minister Javed Rana are likely to be dropped from the Council of Ministers. Their removal could make way for new entrants in the Omar Abdullah-led government.

Five National Conference leaders are reportedly being considered for induction into the Cabinet. The names under consideration include incumbent Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, Khanyar MLA Ali Mohammad Sagar, Gurez MLA Nazir Gurezi, Pahalgam MLA Altaf Kalloo and Poonch MLA Aijaz Jan.

Among these likely inductees, Abdul Rahim Rather, Ali Mohammad Sagar and Nazir Gurezi have served as ministers in the past. Rather and Sagar have held ministerial positions on multiple occasions, according to the information available about the proposed changes.

The possible induction of these five leaders is also linked to a likely change in the post of Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. Former Assembly Speaker and senior National Conference leader Mubarak Gul, who represents the Eidgah constituency, is likely to be considered for the position.

If Mubarak Gul is appointed Speaker, the current Speaker, Abdul Rahim Rather, would be among the leaders reportedly being considered for induction into the Cabinet. However, this remains part of the reported plan and has not been officially confirmed.

Under the existing framework, the Jammu and Kashmir Council of Ministers can have a maximum of nine members, including the Chief Minister. The proposed changes would therefore involve adjustments within the available strength of the Council.

The final decisions on the reported resignations, the possible ministerial changes and the appointment of the Assembly Speaker are expected to emerge in the coming days. The reshuffle, if carried out, could bring significant changes to the Omar Abdullah-led government, but the developments remain subject to official announcements.