Jammu and Kashmir Government Set for Cabinet Reshuffle and Expansion

The much-awaited first cabinet reshuffle and expansion of the Jammu and Kashmir government is set to take place on Tuesday. Earlier on Monday, five ministers submitted their resignations to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Ahead of the swearing-in, the development triggered speculation about the chairing of ministers and selection of new faces. Three new ministers will be inducted into the government. Five new faces could be accommodated if two sitting ministers are dropped. Though there is no official confirmation on who will be dropped, a meeting at Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar's house on Monday fuelled speculation of discontent over the cabinet expansion. According to sources, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Nazir Gurezi, Altaf Ahmad Kaloo and Arjun Singh Raju are tipped to be made ministers. Before the cabinet expansion, senior National Conference leaders met at the residence of Minister Javed Ahmad Dar. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary, Forest and Environment Minister Javed Ahmad Rana and Transport Minister Satish Sharma, besides a Rajya Sabha member close to the chief minister, are also seen as potential political allies.