Srinagar, October 27: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday administered the oath of office and secrecy to four newly inducted ministers in the Council of Ministers led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at Lok Bhavan in Srinagar in the presence of the Chief Minister, senior political leaders, elected representatives and government officials.
The newly inducted ministers are Ali Mohammad Sagar, Altaf Ahmad Wani, popularly known as Altaf Kaloo, Shameema Firdous and Mir Saifullah. Their induction marks an expansion of the Council of Ministers nearly two years after the Omar Abdullah-led government took office in October 2024.
Four Legislators Join the Council of Ministers
The four legislators took the oath during the ceremony conducted at Lok Bhavan on Tuesday morning.
Ali Mohammad Sagar represents the Khanyar Assembly constituency in Srinagar. He is a senior National Conference leader with extensive legislative experience.
Shameema Firdous represents the Habba Kadal constituency in Srinagar. Her induction also adds another woman to the Council of Ministers.
Mir Saifullah represents the Trehgam constituency in Kupwara district, while Altaf Ahmad Wani, widely known as Altaf Kaloo, represents the Pahalgam constituency in Anantnag district.
All four newly inducted ministers belong to the National Conference, which leads the government in Jammu and Kashmir.
Their inclusion brings additional members into the administration as it continues its work on governance, development and public service delivery.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Attends Ceremony
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah attended the swearing-in ceremony alongside several prominent political leaders and senior officials.
Among those present were National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary and Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather.
Cabinet ministers Sakeena Masood Itoo, Javed Ahmed Rana and Javid Ahmad Dar also attended the event. Member of Parliament Gurvinder Singh Oberoi and other dignitaries were present.
The proceedings were conducted by Govind Jaiswal, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor.
The ceremony formally marked the induction of the four legislators into the Council of Ministers.
Cabinet Expansion After Two Years
The expansion follows the formation of the Omar Abdullah-led government in October 2024. It is the first major cabinet expansion since the government assumed office.
The reshuffle had been anticipated for several weeks, with discussions surrounding the inclusion of additional legislators in the ministerial team.
The induction of the four ministers comes as the government continues to address administrative priorities and public concerns across Jammu and Kashmir.
Their respective portfolios are expected to define their departmental responsibilities and roles in implementing government policies.
The allocation of portfolios will be an important next step in determining how the newly inducted ministers contribute to the administration.
Focus on Governance and Public Service
The expanded Council of Ministers will continue to oversee key areas of governance, administration and development in the Union Territory.
The induction of experienced legislators also brings their political and administrative backgrounds into the government’s ministerial team.
Public attention is expected to focus on the responsibilities assigned to the new ministers and the measures taken to address local concerns.
Meanwhile, the Congress, which has supported the government from outside, has maintained its position that it will not join the Council of Ministers until statehood is restored to Jammu and Kashmir.
With the swearing-in ceremony completed, the next stage will involve the allocation of portfolios and the assumption of departmental responsibilities by the new ministers.
The cabinet expansion marks a significant development in the functioning of the Omar Abdullah-led government as it continues its term in Jammu and Kashmir.
