SRINAGAR, October 19, 2026 : National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday indicated that the long-awaited expansion of the Jammu and Kashmir Council of Ministers would take place after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha returns.
Speaking to reporters in Budgam district, Abdullah said the Lieutenant Governor had been unwell and added that the government expansion would follow his return.
The statement comes amid growing political discussion over the proposed expansion of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s Council of Ministers. The National Conference-led government completed two years in office on October 16, having assumed power in October 2024.
Cabinet Expansion Remains Pending
Despite repeated discussions, the government has not yet undertaken a cabinet reshuffle or expansion, keeping the issue in the spotlight of Jammu and Kashmir politics.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary recently rejected speculation about resignations within the government, stating clearly that no minister had submitted a resignation.
Congress Yet to Join Government
The Congress, an electoral ally of the National Conference, has also featured prominently in discussions surrounding the proposed expansion. Although the NC offered the Congress a cabinet berth, the party chose to remain outside the government and extend support until full statehood is restored to Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, on October 7, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had indicated that a decision on expanding his Council of Ministers could be taken soon after consultations with his father and National Conference president, Farooq Abdullah.
Political Developments Awaited
Farooq Abdullah’s latest remarks have renewed attention on the pending cabinet expansion. The next steps are now awaited following the Lieutenant Governor’s return, with the timing and final composition of the expanded Council of Ministers yet to be announced.
