LG Manoj Sinha Swears In Four New J&K Ministers
Omar Abdullah expands the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet with the induction of four MLAs.
- LG Manoj Sinha administers the oath to four new ministers.
- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expands the J&K Cabinet.
- Mir Saifullah and Ali Mohammad Sagar join the ministry.
- Shameem Firdous and Altaf Ahmad Wan are also inducted.
GG News Bureau
Srinagar, 27th Oct: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha administered the oath of office and secrecy to four new ministers at Lok Bhavan in Srinagar on Tuesday, as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expanded his Cabinet for the first time since his government took office in October 2024.
The new ministers are Ali Mohammad Sagar, MLA from Khanyar; Mir Saifullah, MLA from Trehgam in Kupwara; Shameema Firdous, MLA from Habba Kadal; and Altaf Ahmad Wani, popularly known as Altaf Kaloo, MLA from Pahalgam. All four belong to the ruling National Conference (NC).
Experienced Leaders Return to Government
Ali Mohammad Sagar and Mir Saifullah have previously served as ministers in the Omar Abdullah government between 2008 and 2014. Sagar is a senior National Conference leader and a seven-time MLA, while Saifullah has represented constituencies in Kupwara district.
Shameema Firdous, a three-time legislator, has also headed the Jammu and Kashmir State Commission for Women. Her induction makes her the second woman in the Cabinet after Sakina Itoo. Altaf Ahmad Wani and Firdous have joined the Council of Ministers for the first time.
Cabinet Reaches Maximum Permissible Strength
With the four inductions and the reported removal of Independent MLA Satish Sharma, the Council of Ministers reaches its maximum permissible strength of nine members, including the Chief Minister. Under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, the Council of Ministers cannot exceed 10 per cent of the Legislative Assembly’s total membership of 90.
The reshuffle follows consultations between Omar Abdullah and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah. The allocation of portfolios to the newly inducted ministers is expected to clarify their responsibilities in the government.
