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| Finally , it is official: Cabinet expansion, reshuffle on Jan 15,Oath ceremony at 4 PM | | We will not ask our Ministers to resign : Soz | | SAROJ RAzdan
Jammu, Jan 13: It is now official. After deferring the move for over two years, the J&K Government would effect reshuffle and expansion of its Cabinet on January 15. The oath taking ceremony of Min-isters has been scheduled in Rajbhawan at 4 PM. Congress, major ally in ruling coalition will induct at least two new Min-isters against the berths that have been lying vacant and get back its two vital portfolios in the exercise. In order to give final shape to things including the names before reconstituting the cabinet, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and J&K PCC chief Prof Saif-u-Din Soz held a detailed meeting this evening at Om-ar's official residence in the winter capital.
Sources said Prof Soz soon after his arrival to winter capital rushed to CM's residence where the duo discussed in detail about reconstitution of the Cabinet, a step which is being taken first time after present coalition came to power in 2008. Sources said JKPCC chief, who has been mandated by the High Command on behalf of Congress to take final call and decision with regard to names and portfolios in the fresh face of state cabinet gave the names of its ministers, including the new ones that will form composition of Ministers in coalition. However, contrary to the speculations, Congress may not drop any of its ministers in the existing 'frame', albeit change of portfolios of the ministers has not been ruled out.
Date of reshuffle, expansion exercise has been fixed on Jan 15 so as to facilitate presence of JKPCC chief, who will be unavailable later for few days due to pre occupation with Congress delegate session.
"Cabinet expansion is taking place ……. ……..", Prof Soz said while confirming the move but at the same time said , "We will not ask our ministers to resign…..", indicating Congress will not drop anyone from the existing cabinet. "There is difference between reshuffle and expansion……expansion is certainly taking place ", JKPCC president said while speaking to ET. Sources within the party on the other hand disclosed that party leadership would seek the resignation of all ministers by tomorrow . However, he did not elaborate on the comment, which though is loaded with heavy connotations in present scenario,
particularly when ruling NC has decided to effect changes in its camp , implying its high command is in a mood to drop some existing ministers and induct fresh ones . Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is reported to have sought submission of resignation of its ministers. "It is not something big or new move….this is a routine measure all governments take before reshuffle or expansion just to facilitate the CM to have reconstitution of the cabinet as per his wishes…", said a senior NC minister . On the other hand, sources said in the revamping exercise, Congress may go ahead with change of portfolios of its ministers and rename it afresh with ministries that are in its kitty as per the agreement between allies. In the revamping exercise, sources said that Congress in well calculated political move, will change the portfolios
of even senior ministers like Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, Health Minister Sham Lal, PHE minister Taj Mohi-u-Din , besides Peerada Mohammad Sayeed ,who is retaining an insignificant portfolio at
present. Among the probables include Abdul Majid Wani, GA Mir and Viqar Rasool. Though speculations are also for the names like Bashir Ahmad Magray and GA Monga from Kashmir, but that would happen only in the vent of Congress deciding to drop some ministers.
It is pertinent to mention that in run up to finalizing the names , both JKPCC chief as well Union Health minister held meetings jointly apart from having discussion with UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi , Ahmad Patel and Mohan Prakash , incharge J&K Congress.
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