Omar Abdullah hints at cabinet expansion after August 15

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has indicated that a cabinet expansion will not happen before August 15. The National Conference government, which has been running with the same five ministers since October 2024, can induct three more members. Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar that the expansion will take place at the appropriate time after the date.

Senior NC colleague Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan said the expansion is important and should happen without delay, noting that Jammu and Kashmir previously had 25 ministers but can now have only nine. The Congress party, which contested the 2024 assembly polls in alliance with the NC, has refused to join the government unless statehood is restored. Opposition parties including the PDP and People's Conference have accused the government of failing to fulfill promises and overburdening ministers.

The delay is attributed to the limited number of berths, only three, against many aspirants. Leaders hope the expansion will balance regional representation between Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP, the main opposition in the territory, has mocked the chief minister, alleging he fears defections if portfolios are not distributed.