Srinagar, Oct 27 (KNO): National Conference (NC) leaders on Tuesday welcomed the expansion of the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, while Congress leaders said the government should focus on fulfilling its promises to the people and restoring statehood.
NC chief spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq congratulated Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the newly inducted ministers, wishing them success in serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Congratulations to HCM Omar Abdullah Sahab and all the members of the new Cabinet. Wishing you all the very best as you take on the responsibility of serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir. May your tenure be guided by commitment, compassion and meaningful work towards a more prosperous and empowered J&K. Best wishes,” Sadiq wrote in a post on X.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who retained his position in the Cabinet, said the expansion would strengthen governance and accountability and ensure more effective delivery of services to the people.
He said the promised expansion and reshuffle had taken place and criticised the BJP for targeting the government, questioning its silence over alleged attacks on Kashmiris outside Jammu and Kashmir.
Choudhary urged the BJP to focus on public issues rather than maligning the youth.
Meanwhile, NC leader Salman Sagar said some legislators were unhappy over the Cabinet expansion, but added that the leadership had its own compulsions.
“Some MLAs were angry... leadership has its own compulsions,” Sagar said.
Congress leaders, however, reiterated that fulfilling the promises made to the people and restoring statehood should remain the government's priority.
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hamid Karra said the party would not join the Cabinet until statehood was restored. He reiterated the party's stand following talks with the NC, which had approached Congress with an offer of a ministerial berth.
Congress MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone said the government should concentrate on fulfilling its commitments rather than on who had been inducted into the Council of Ministers and who had been left disappointed.
Speaking after the swearing-in ceremony, Lone said it was natural for legislators to aspire to serve people as ministers, but everyone could not be accommodated in the Cabinet.
“It is obvious that they expect to serve people in this capacity as well, but everyone cannot become a minister. Who is in the ministry and who is hurt is not important; what is important is that the promises made to people are fulfilled,” he said.
The Congress leader expressed hope that the government would deliver on its commitments and address people's genuine grievances, including issues concerning daily wagers, employment, ration and free electricity.
He said people had high expectations from the government and hoped their concerns would be addressed.
Lone also said issues such as vote chori, paper leaks, curtailment of freedom of speech and restoration of statehood were collective challenges that needed to be fought.
The Cabinet expansion took place on Tuesday, with several ministers taking oath in the presence of the Chief Minister and other political leaders—(KNO)