NC leaders jockey for limited ministerial berths

Srinagar, Oct 19: In a political development that has set off intense jockeying within the National Conference (NC) ranks, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's decision to form a lean five-member cabinet has left senior party leaders and ambitious newcomers vying for the remaining four coveted ministerial berths.

The cabinet formation, constrained by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act which limits the Council of Ministers to just 10 percent of the Legislative Assembly’s strength, has created a unique political pressure cooker in J&K.

Only nine ministerial positions are permitted in total, with five already filled following the October 16 swearing-in ceremony.

The current cabinet lineup reflects a careful regional balance, featuring Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary alongside Javed Rana and Satish Sharma from the Jammu region, while Sakina Itoo and Javid Ahmad Dar represent Kashmir.

This distribution has left several heavyweight contenders and emerging leaders eyeing the remaining spots.

Among the frontrunners is Abdul Rahim Rather, a seven-time MLA from Charar-e-Sharief and the erstwhile State’s longest-serving finance minister.

Rather’s extensive experience in financial management makes him a compelling candidate for a senior cabinet role.

Ali Muhammad Sagar, NC’s general secretary, and Mubarak Gul, another seven-term veteran, are also strong contenders with proven track records.

The race isn’t limited to party veterans.

First-time MLAs have emerged as serious contenders, including Farooq Shah, a former IAS officer who defeated political veteran Ghulam Hassan Mir, and Shamima Firdous, a consistent winner from Srinagar since 2008.

Rising party figures Salman Sagar and Tanveer Sadiq are also in contention.

The competition is particularly intense in Srinagar district, which, despite having eight MLAs, currently lacks cabinet representation.

Party insiders suggest that the next cabinet expansion will likely address this gap, as both north and south Kashmir already have ministerial representation.

The Congress party’s decision to abstain from government formation until statehood is restored has given the NC more flexibility in appointments.

However, this has also intensified internal competition, as Omar Abdullah must balance regional interests, political experience, and the party’s future leadership needs in his selections.

As the political drama unfolds, Abdullah faces the challenging task of managing expectations while ensuring his expanded cabinet can effectively govern J&K’s complex political landscape.