Srinagar: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has said the expansion of the Jammu and Kashmir council of ministers will take place once Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha returns to the Valley, amid speculation over a long-awaited reshuffle in the Omar Abdullah-led government.
"The Lieutenant Governor was not well. He was sick. When he returns, there will be an expansion of the government," Dr Abdullah told reporters in Budgam district.
The remarks came days after the National Conference-led government completed two years in office on October 16, with the proposed cabinet expansion remaining a talking point.
Asked about reports that the Lieutenant Governor could nominate five members to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the NC chief said there was no clarity and described the reports as speculation. "These are all conjectures. Various things are being said from different quarters, but nothing has emerged yet," he said.
On reports that NC MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi may resign, Dr Abdullah declined to elaborate, saying the decision rested with the parliamentarian.
He criticised the delay in restoring statehood, asking, "The Central Government had promised that statehood would be restored after the Assembly elections. The elections were held nearly two years ago. What has happened to that promise?"
Dr Abdullah said NC MPs had met the Union Home Minister in January and were assured that business rules defining the powers of the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government would be introduced. "Ten months have passed, but the business rules have still not been introduced," he said.
He also referred to an attack on buses carrying people towards Jammu and Kashmir in Haryana, saying Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had spoken to his Haryana counterpart and sought an inquiry and compensation.