Jammu | October 28, 2026 : The Jammu and Kashmir BJP has criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the recent Cabinet reshuffle, alleging that Jammu’s representation has not increased despite the Cabinet reaching full strength. The party claims the reshuffle has hurt regional sentiments and intensified dissatisfaction within the ruling National Conference (NC).
Addressing a press conference, BJP chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi said the party had anticipated resentment within the NC following the reshuffle. He maintained that the BJP was not in talks with unhappy NC leaders.
🔹 Key Issues Raised by the BJP
▪️ Jammu’s Representation: Sethi argued that Jammu had two representatives in the earlier Cabinet, compared with four from Kashmir, and said the region had expected at least one additional ministerial position.
▪️ Community Representation: According to Sethi, eight of the nine ministers belong to the Muslim community and one to the Hindu community. He questioned why the government had not increased Hindu representation.
▪️ Satish Sharma’s Removal: The BJP spokesperson questioned the decision to drop Satish Sharma, alleging that other ministers facing corruption allegations had been retained. These remarks represent the BJP’s claims and have not been independently established here.
▪️ Concerns Over Jammu’s Plains: Sethi alleged that no representative from the plains of Jammu had been included in the Cabinet and questioned whether the region’s interests would receive adequate attention.
▪️ Questions Over Accountability: The BJP also criticised the retention and induction of ministers, raising allegations concerning corruption and the government’s approach to accountability.
🏛️ BJP Claims Discontent Within the National Conference
Sethi asserted that dissatisfaction among NC leaders had become more visible after the reshuffle. However, he stopped short of predicting an imminent split in the party, saying the situation would become clearer with time.
He also denied that the BJP was negotiating with disgruntled NC leaders, while saying the party remained open to people wishing to pursue politics based on nationalism.
🔎 Syed Ruhullah’s Political Future
Asked about reports that National Conference MP Syed Ruhullah might leave the party after November 3, Sethi said the possibility remained speculative and that developments after that date would provide greater clarity.
📌 The Larger Political Question
The controversy has brought regional representation, community balance and political accountability into focus in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP has framed the reshuffle as a setback for Jammu, while the allegations and political assessments cited in the report should be understood as statements made by the opposition party—not as independently verified findings.
