Omar Abdullah announces Jammu and Kashmir cabinet expansion

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced that a reshuffle and expansion of his Council of Ministers is expected to take place within the next two to three days. Following a meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Srinagar, Abdullah stated that the list of ministers has been finalized after consultations with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah.

The Chief Minister urged party colleagues and aspirants to cease lobbying for ministerial positions via phone calls, WhatsApp messages, or personal visits, noting that the decision-making process is complete. Under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Council of Ministers is limited to 10 percent of the Legislative Assembly's strength, allowing for a maximum of nine members including the Chief Minister.

While the current council includes six members, three ministerial berths remain vacant. Meanwhile, the Congress party has indicated it will continue to support the National Conference-led government from the outside rather than joining the ministry, citing a preference for the restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory.