news details |
|
|
| Omar Cabinet poised for reshuffle | | |
Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, Sept 2: Amid speculations on who will be the next Minister of State for Home, J&K Chief Minister - Omar Abdullah is mulling a reshuffle in the National Conference nominees in his council of Ministers.
Party insiders said the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC President, Dr. Farooq Abdullah have decided to effect a reshuffle in the council of NC Ministers. The name of Minister of State (independent Charge) Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi has been reportedly tipped off for the coveted MoS Home portfolio.
Sources, however, said the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah is not happy with the performance of two senior Ministers and was favouring clipping their wings by allotting them some insignificant portfolios but the Party President, Dr. Farooq Abdullah was reportedly averse to any such move due to which the reshuffle was delayed.
"The reshuffle was scheduled to be held almost 10 days back but a few Ministers got a whiff of it and complained to Dr. Farooq Abdullah. It was Farooq who then convinced the Chief Minister to go slow on his proposed plan," a senior NC leader said.
Sources said the Chief Minister was keen to drop at least two senior NC Ministers even in January 15 Cabinet reshuffle but had failed to do so because senior Abdullah did not allow him. But, the Chief Minister wanted to reallocate the ministries within National Conference as he believed that NC needed a shot in the arm before the Parliament and the Assembly elections, which are due next year.
"Chief Minister is firm to go ahead with his plan as with Sajad Kichloo's resignation from Council of Ministers, some important portfolios are lying vacant and these needed to be filled for smooth functioning of the concerned ministries. Kichloo was MoS Home in addition to being the junior Minister for host of other departments apart from holding the independent charge of industries department.
"Industries is an important Cabinet post that Kichloo was holding. Apart from that the vacancy of MoS Home has to be filled as well, the reshuffle was inevitable as such.," said the senior NC adding that chances of new entry into the Ministry were bleak because the Chief Minister is favouring reallocation of portfolios among the sitting Ministers. "Left to his choice he would certainly show exit to at least two of his senior colleagues but that is not the case" sources said.
Sources said Chief Minister's close advisors have advised to give the charge of Home Department to anyone among the junior Ministers because of the sensitivity of the post." Chief Minister is delaying the appointment of new Home Minister and that is not a wise thing to do. God forbid if something like Kishtwar happens again or any other law and order situation arises; the blame will directly fall on Chief Minister. MoS Home is a buffer for the Chief Minister as well", said another NC leader.
He said Nazir Gurezi was still top contender for the junior Home Minister's post. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
