Political High voltage Drama: Omar Abdullah Cabinet Reshuffle Likely Next Week; Five Senior NC Leaders Under Consideration

Political High voltage Drama: Omar Abdullah Cabinet Reshuffle Likely Next Week; Five Senior NC Leaders Under Consideration

SRINAGAR, October 10, 2026 [VoM News]: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is likely to undertake his government’s first major Cabinet reshuffle next week, with five senior National Conference (NC) leaders reportedly under consideration for ministerial positions and two serving Ministers facing possible removal, according to political sources.

The proposed expansion is expected ahead of the government’s second anniversary on October 16, although no official schedule has been announced.

Sources identified Abdul Rahim Rather, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi, Altaf Ahmad Kaloo and Aijaz Jan as potential inductees. The reported selection reflects an emphasis on experienced legislators rather than first-time MLAs.

Rather, currently the Assembly Speaker, and Sagar are seven-time legislators, while Gurezi, Kaloo and Jan have also served multiple terms in the Assembly.

The reshuffle could bring the Council of Ministers to its maximum permitted strength of nine, including the Chief Minister, under the framework applicable to Jammu and Kashmir.

Sources also claimed that resignations had been sought from existing Ministers to facilitate the restructuring. However, the reported resignations and proposed removal of two Ministers have not been officially confirmed.

The changes could extend to the Legislative Assembly, with Rather reportedly expected to relinquish the Speaker’s position if inducted into the Cabinet. Senior NC leader and former Speaker Mubarak Gul is being considered as a possible successor.

Meanwhile, Congress is reportedly unlikely to join the government, maintaining its position of extending outside support pending restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.

The proposed swearing-in ceremony is expected in Srinagar, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha administering the oath to newly appointed Ministers.

All proposed appointments, removals and changes in Assembly leadership remain subject to official confirmation.