Jammu, Nov 30: After extensive deliberations at the highest levels, the Congress Party is poised to join the National Conference (NC)-led government in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
Sources confirmed to Rising Kashmir that Congress is expected to secure two ministerial positions in Omar Abdullah’s cabinet, with the NC likely to add one more minister.
The newly elected J&K government currently has six ministers, including the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. However, as per constitutional rules, the cabinet must comprise 10% of the total assembly strength, which translates to nine ministers for the 90-member Assembly.
Reliable sources revealed that former Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra and senior Congress leader Ghulam Ahmad Mir are strong contenders for the Congress’s ministerial berths.
“The discussions have reached their final stages, and a formal decision will be announced once Chief Minister Omar Abdullah returns from Umrah tomorrow,” sources said.
The NC and Congress had contested the recently concluded Assembly elections in J&K as allies. Initially, Congress had opted out of joining the government. However, after high-level deliberations, the party has reportedly reconsidered and is now set to be part of the administration.
“The alliance talks between NC and Congress have been productive. A final call will be made once the Chief Minister arrives in Jammu tomorrow,” a senior party leader said.
The Assembly, with 90 elected members—43 from the Jammu region and 47 from the Kashmir region—must adhere to the rule requiring 9 ministers in the cabinet. This impending expansion of the government is expected to strengthen the NC-Congress alliance as they move forward with governance in the Union Territory.
