Cabinet Reshuffle Buzz Grows in J&K, New Faces in Omar-Government Soon
Tanvir Sadiq, Altaf Kaloo and Salman Sagar emerge as probable entrants as NC weighs political balancing
Change in Deputy Chief Minister’s post under discussion amid discontent among legislators over fund allocation
Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: Speculation over a major cabinet reshuffle in the Omar Abdullah-led government has gathered momentum in Jammu and Kashmir, with senior National Conference leaders Tanvir Sadiq, Altaf Kaloo and Salman Ali Sagar emerging as likely new entrants in the council of ministers.
Political circles in Srinagar and Jammu have been abuzz with discussions over possible changes in the cabinet structure, including deliberations within the ruling establishment over replacing Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary amid growing resentment among several legislators regarding fund allocation and delays in developmental works in their constituencies.
Sources within the ruling alliance said a number of legislators have privately conveyed dissatisfaction over what they describe as “imbalanced distribution of resources” and lack of progress on key projects in their respective areas.
The reshuffle discussions gained further significance after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, during a recent interview with a news channel, hinted that a cabinet reshuffle was on the cards before the National Conference’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi seeking restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session.
Political observers believe the anticipated reshuffle is aimed at achieving both regional and political balancing while also strengthening the government’s outreach ahead of an increasingly charged political phase centred around the demand for restoration of full statehood.
At present, the cabinet composition reflects a carefully crafted regional representation. Senior minister Sakeena Itoo is seen as politically catering to large parts of south Kashmir, while Minister Javid Ahmad Dar, who hails from Rafiabad, is believed to represent significant sections of north Kashmir.
From the Jammu region, apart from Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary, the cabinet already includes Javid Rana and Satish Sharma, giving the region substantial representation in the present set-up.
However, party insiders suggest that there is increasing pressure within the National Conference to accommodate more influential faces from central Kashmir and south Kashmir, especially legislators who played a significant role during the Assembly elections and maintain strong public connect in their constituencies.
Tanvir Sadiq, widely regarded as one of Omar Abdullah’s closest political aides and an influential voice within the party, is being viewed as a strong contender for a cabinet berth.
Altaf Kaloo, who represents Pahalgam and enjoys influence in south Kashmir, is also being discussed as a possible inclusion. Salman Ali Sagar, a senior NC leader from Srinagar with long administrative and political experience, is another prominent name doing the rounds in political corridors.
The discussions over the Deputy Chief Minister’s position have also intensified in recent weeks. Legislators from both Kashmir and Jammu divisions are learnt to have raised concerns regarding delays in release of constituency development funds and pendency of public works projects, issues that have reportedly created unease within sections of the ruling camp.
Political analysts believe any reshuffle at this stage would carry significant symbolic and administrative implications, particularly as the Omar Abdullah government attempts to consolidate governance, maintain regional equilibrium and sharpen its political messaging around statehood restoration.
Under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Union Territory can have a maximum of nine ministers in the cabinet, including the Chief Minister, making any reshuffle a politically sensitive exercise requiring careful balancing of regional, factional and community considerations.
The growing political chatter around cabinet changes has triggered intense speculation within both ruling and opposition circles, with many viewing the possible reshuffle as Omar Abdullah’s first major political recalibration since assuming office.
