Omar Abdullah seeks early-week cabinet reshuffle

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has asked Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to schedule a cabinet expansion and reshuffle for the first two to three days of next week, saying the list of ministers has been finalised. The exercise remains subject to Sinha setting a time, and Abdullah has not disclosed the names or any portfolio changes. Abdullah spoke after meeting Sinha in Srinagar on October 24. He said he had requested time for the changes and that the Lieutenant Governor would set the schedule. Abdullah also said the meeting covered other matters requiring discussion and advice, and that he had asked about Sinha’s health after his recent illness. The chief minister said the ministerial list was settled after consultations with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah. He urged party colleagues seeking berths to stop contacting him or Farooq Abdullah to lobby, saying the decision had already been made. Abdullah said he had received lengthy WhatsApp messages and biodata from legislators, but did not identify those selected. The council currently has six members, including the chief minister, and may have as many as nine under the reported limit for the Union...