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| Cabinet expansion before annual darbar bove | | | Bashir Assad
srinagar, Oct 16: With Chief Minister Omar Abdullah succumbing to Congress Party's demand for reservation for Scheduled Cast, Social Tribes and Women in Block Development Councils and the consequent deferment of the otherwise notified elections to the BDCs, the much delayed Cabinet expansion- cum- reshuffle is expected anytime before the annual darbar move.
If sources within coalition are to be believed, Tuesday witnessed hectic activities going on in among the coalition partners hinting at a possible expansion in the Omar Abdullah led coalition Government before the annual darbar move.
Sources said, the Congress High Command has given its nod to much awaited Cabinet expansion in Jammu and Kashmir and chartered senior leader and Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to sort out the nitty-gritty. Sources close to Azad told Early Times that the Congress nominations for the induction in the Cabinet against the two portfolios of its quota presently lying with the Chief Minister have been finalized, however, sources refused to divulge into the details.
On the other hand National Conference leadership has, reportedly decided to induct one sitting MLA from North Kashmir into the Cabinet. It merits a mention here that North Kashmir remains unrepresented in the State Cabinet despite the fact that National Conference has 5 MLAs from north.
Sources said that Cabinet expansion is likely to take place by or before 20th of this month and all necessary arrangements are in progress.
If sources privy to Congress top brass are to be believed, the party has decided to utilize its vacant quota from Doda District. However, some reports suggest that Congress may call back one or two " non-performers" to pave way for more new faces. If that is the case Congress legislator from Dooru Anantnag, GA Mir is the prospect from the Valley.
If Congress utilizes the present vacant quota from Chinab Valley, GM Saroori and Abdul Majid Wani are the prospects from the region. Though Congress MLA from Banihal Viqar Rasool is also lobbying for induction in the Cabinet, chances for him are very bleak, sources added.
Sources confirmed that Azad has zeroed in his choice on two MLAs from Doda and if the Congress High Command allows sacking of a couple of more Ministers, GA Mir will be the first choice. However, unconfirmed reports suggest that Azad may opt for MLA Ramban who is a Scheduled Cast. Sources confirmed that Congress is also mulling to review the performance of its Ministers, on the basis of which re-allotment of portfolios can be considered and recommended to the Chief Minister. However, as of now there is no indication of showing door to any of its Ministers.
Interestingly, by mandating Azad, the Congress High Command has kept the Pradesh Congress President and the Chairman of the NC-Congress Co-ordination Committee, Saif-ud-Din Soz out of the loop.
Meanwhile, pressure is building up on National Conference top brass about representation to the minority Kashmiri Pandit and Sikh communities in the Cabinet. While the name of former Chief Secretary and NC MLC Vijay Bakaya was making rounds for the sole vacant slot of the party, the internal resentment is weighing against him. His recent spat with PDP MLC Murtaza Khan has also impacted his prospectus. |
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