SRINAGAR, October 7, 2026 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said a decision on the expansion of his Council of Ministers is likely to be taken after his return from Delhi and following consultations with National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in Srinagar, Omar said the government would consider the issue after the upcoming GST Council meeting and discussions with the party president.
Cabinet Expansion Decision Awaited
Omar indicated that the expansion of the Council of Ministers remains under consideration and that consultations would precede any final decision.
He said he would return from Delhi after attending the GST Council meeting and subsequently discuss the matter with Farooq Abdullah.
The comments come amid continued speculation over possible changes and additions to the J&K Council of Ministers.
Administrative Transfers
Asked about recent administrative changes, the Chief Minister said some transfers had been ordered by the elected government, while others had been carried out by the Lieutenant Governor.
Omar said the government would work with the officers currently posted across various departments.
He emphasised the need for the administration to function effectively regardless of which authority had made individual postings.
GMC Recruitment Rules Near Finalisation
Omar also provided an update on the pending recruitment rules for Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the rules were almost ready and were currently being given their final shape.
According to the Chief Minister, certain contradictions had emerged between previously framed rules and proposed provisions.
Officials are now working to remove those inconsistencies before the rules are formally notified.
Omar said the government did not want to rush the process only to encounter difficulties during implementation.
The recruitment rules are expected to be notified soon.
Push to Expand Sports Infrastructure
The Chief Minister also outlined the government’s efforts to expand sports facilities and improve training opportunities for young athletes across Jammu and Kashmir.
He said infrastructure development was being accompanied by the appointment of coaches to provide better training and support to aspiring sportspersons.
Among the facilities highlighted was an Olympic-size swimming pool in Kashmir.
The government is also making arrangements for solar-powered heating at the facility, which would allow athletes to train throughout the year.
New Gymnastics Facility
Omar said an indoor gymnastics hall had also been inaugurated.
He noted that children in Kashmir had shown interest in gymnastics but had previously lacked adequate infrastructure and facilities to pursue the sport.
The Chief Minister said the government wanted to broaden the sporting opportunities available to young people.
He said the focus should extend beyond traditional popular sports such as cricket, football, hockey and volleyball, giving children access to a wider range of disciplines.
Reaction to PM Modi’s 25 Years in Public Life
Asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 25 years in public life, Omar acknowledged the length of his political career.
He said it was not easy for any leader to continue winning elections over such a long period.
Omar also said he congratulated Modi on the milestone on behalf of himself and his colleagues.
CEC-Related Protests
The Chief Minister also commented on protests relating to the Chief Election Commissioner.
Omar questioned why the government had not initiated defamation proceedings against The Indian Express if its reporting on the matter was allegedly inaccurate.
He argued that if the newspaper’s reporting had been false, the government could have taken legal action, including filing a defamation case.
Omar said the ongoing protests were part of a programme announced by INDIA bloc leaders following their recent meeting in Delhi.
Concerns Over Special Intensive Revision
The proposed Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Jammu and Kashmir was another issue addressed by the Chief Minister.
Omar expressed concern that such an exercise could potentially be used to interfere with elections.
He referred to the earlier delimitation exercise and alleged that its purpose had been to benefit the BJP.
These remarks represent Omar’s political assessment of the earlier delimitation process.
He said Jammu and Kashmir had already experienced what he described as interference and that the issue remained fresh in the minds of his party.
Supreme Court Proceedings and Form 6
Omar also referred to proceedings currently before the Supreme Court, particularly those concerning Form 6.
He expressed hope that the court proceedings would make it more difficult for eligible people to be excluded from electoral rolls.
The issue is connected to the broader debate over electoral-roll revision and the procedures used to add or remove names from voter lists.
Multiple Issues on Government Agenda
Omar’s remarks covered a wide range of issues confronting the Jammu and Kashmir administration, from a possible Cabinet expansion and administrative postings to medical recruitment rules, sports infrastructure and electoral matters.
While the Cabinet expansion decision is expected to follow the GST Council meeting and consultations with Farooq Abdullah, the Chief Minister indicated that several administrative initiatives are already moving toward implementation.
The government is also seeking to expand sports infrastructure and finalise recruitment rules for Government Medical Colleges.
On electoral issues, Omar’s comments reflected continuing political differences over the proposed revision of electoral rolls and previous delimitation.
