Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has said that the expansion of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s cabinet is aimed at improving governance, strengthening accountability and ensuring better delivery of public services.
Choudhary made the remarks while speaking to reporters after the swearing-in ceremony at Lok Bhavan in Srinagar on Tuesday. He said the government had fulfilled its commitment to expand and reshuffle the Council of Ministers.
He also urged the media to focus on the government’s performance and raise questions about issues affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Four New Ministers Join Omar Abdullah’s Cabinet
The cabinet expansion saw the induction of four legislators: Ali Mohammad Sagar, Mir Saifullah, Shameema Firdous and Altaf Ahmad Wani.
Their induction marks an important development in the functioning of the Omar Abdullah-led government. The new ministers are expected to contribute to the administration’s work and help address public concerns through their respective responsibilities.
Welcoming the expansion, Choudhary said the main objective was to ensure that people benefited from the government’s decisions and policies.
He stressed that discussions should now move beyond the cabinet reshuffle and focus on governance, development and public welfare.
Deputy CM Urges Focus on Public Issues
Choudhary also responded to criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the cabinet expansion.
He said the issue had been raised repeatedly over the past several months. Now that the reshuffle had taken place, he urged political leaders to concentrate on matters that directly affect the people.
The Deputy Chief Minister accused the BJP of engaging in political criticism instead of addressing public concerns. These remarks reflect the political differences between the ruling National Conference-led government and the opposition party in Jammu and Kashmir.
He also challenged BJP leaders to explain their position on issues concerning residents of the Union Territory.
Raises Concern Over Safety of Kashmiris Outside J&K
During his interaction with reporters, Choudhary raised concerns about reported incidents of attacks on people from Jammu and Kashmir in other parts of the country.
He particularly highlighted the difficulties faced by Kashmiris who travel outside the Union Territory to earn a living.
Many people work as drivers, shawl sellers and fruit vendors. According to Choudhary, these workers leave their homes to support their families and deserve safety, dignity and fair treatment.
He questioned the response of BJP leaders to such incidents and called for greater attention to the concerns of people from Jammu and Kashmir.
The Deputy Chief Minister also urged political leaders to avoid targeting the region’s youth and instead focus on issues affecting their future and livelihoods.
Governance and Accountability Remain in Focus
The cabinet expansion comes as the Omar Abdullah-led administration continues its work on governance and public service delivery.
With additional ministers joining the Council of Ministers, attention is expected to turn towards administrative responsibilities and the implementation of government priorities.
Choudhary said the expansion was intended to strengthen the government’s functioning and improve benefits for the public.
However, the impact of the reshuffle will ultimately depend on how effectively the administration addresses public needs, improves service delivery and responds to concerns raised by residents.
The development has also renewed political exchanges between the ruling National Conference and the BJP over governance and public issues in Jammu and Kashmir.
As the newly inducted ministers take up their responsibilities, public attention will remain on the government’s performance, accountability and delivery of its commitments.
The Deputy Chief Minister maintained that the priority should now be the welfare of the people rather than continued debate over the cabinet expansion.
