Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 6 

Three-time chief minister and National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday dismissed speculation about a possible expansion of the Jammu and Kashmir Council of Ministers, saying no such move should be expected.

“Do not expect any expansion in the J&K government,” Abdullah told reporters when asked whether the administration was planning to enlarge the cabinet.

His remarks come amid speculation in recent days that the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah could induct additional ministers.

The Jammu and Kashmir government currently has five cabinet members, including the chief minister.

The council of ministers comprises Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary and three other ministers.

The National Conference formed the current government on October 16, 2024, when Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the first chief minister of the federally administered territory after the restoration of an elected government.

Omar Abdullah heads a coalition administration supported by independent legislators, the Aam Aadmi Party and the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

The arrangement followed the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, in which the National Conference emerged as the single largest party with 42 seats.