Omar Abdullah Cabinet Reshuffle: Four NC Leaders Take Oath as Ministers in Srinagar

The suspense over the National Conference’s cabinet reshuffle ended on Tuesday as four party legislators — Ali Mohammad Sagar, Shamima Firdous, Mir Saifullah and Altaf Ahmad Kaloo — were inducted into the Omar Abdullah-led government.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly inducted ministers at Lok Bhawan in Srinagar. The ceremony was attended by senior political leaders and government officials. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The cabinet expansion marks a significant change in the Council of Ministers, coming shortly after the Omar Abdullah-led government completed two years in office.

However, senior National Conference leader Mubarak Gul expressed disappointment over being excluded from the reshuffle.

“I have attended 30 oath-taking ceremonies till now. Every time I was dropped, and today as well, I am being dropped,” Gul told reporters outside Lok Bhawan.

Meanwhile, newly inducted minister Shamima Firdous expressed happiness over the opportunity given to her by the party and said she would continue to work harder.

Mir Saifullah also thanked the National Conference leadership and Almighty Allah for the opportunity to serve in the government.

“I am really thankful to the Dr Farooq Abdullah-led National Conference leadership and Almighty Allah for this opportunity,” he said.

The induction of the four legislators follows speculation over changes in the existing ministerial lineup. While Ali Mohammad Sagar and Altaf Ahmad Kaloo had been considered among the frontrunners, Shamima Firdous emerged as a surprise inclusion in the reshuffle.

The cabinet changes are expected to shape the political and administrative priorities of the Omar Abdullah-led government in Jammu and Kashmir.