Srinagar, Aug 26 (KNO): Ahead of the reshuffle-cum-expansion in the council of ministers, the ruling National Conference (NC) has renewed its offer of a berth to ally Congress, sources disclosed.
Sources familiar with the development told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the NC leadership has formally approached the Congress with the earlier offer of allotting a berth in the council of ministers.
“The NC discussed the matter with All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary in-charge for Jammu & Kashmir and Rajya Sabha MP, Syed Naseer Hussain. He is understood to have told them that he would respond after consulting the high command,” sources said.
According to sources, during his recent visit to J&K with Divya Maderna, AICC co-incharge for J&K, Hussain is believed to have discussed the proposal with the party leadership.
J&K Congress leadership, however, is understood to have been lukewarm to the proposal and instead pushed for two berths in the council of ministers along with adjustment of its leaders as heads of different boards.
The Congress high command is expected to take a final call on NC’s offer tomorrow.
At the time of government formation in October 2024, the NC had reached out to the Congress with an offer of one berth in the council of ministers, but the Congress had demanded two. Later, the party publicly stated that it would not join the government until the restoration of J&K’s statehood.
The fresh offer comes at a time when Omar Abdullah is planning a reshuffle and expansion in the council of ministers headed by him.
As per the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, the council of ministers in the Union Territory can have a maximum of nine members, since its strength shall not exceed 10 percent of the total strength of the Assembly.
Sources disclosed to Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is expected to effect a reshuffle-cum-expansion in the council of ministers in the first week of September.
“The expansion is likely to take place before the Assembly session,” sources said—(KNO)