J&K CM Omar Abdullah says cabinet reshuffle in 2-3 days, asks MLAs to stop lobbying for berths

NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the expansion and reshuffle of his cabinet would take place in the first two to three days of next week.Talking to reporters, the J&K chief minister said he had met lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha and sought time for the exercise."Yes, it (reshuffle) certainly was (discussed). I requested time from him for the expansion and asked him that in the first two to three days of next week, I will carry out the expansion and certain changes in my council of ministers," the chief minister said.He said the lieutenant governor would fix a time for the exercise, following which the expansion would take place.'No need to knock on Farooq Sahib's door, my door'Omar said the list of cabinet ministers had already been finalised and advised his party colleagues and MLAs to refrain from approaching him or National Conference president Farooq Abdullah seeking ministerial berths."After consultations with Farooq Abdullah Sahib, the list has been finalised. There is no need to knock on Farooq Sahib's door, my door, or anyone else's door. The decision of who will become a minister is not pending; it has already been made. So, I request my colleagues to please be patient," he said.Abdullah said whatever was destined to happen was first determined by the Almighty, urging his colleagues to refrain from sending messages, making phone calls or approaching party leaders."Please stop sending WhatsApp messages. I am receiving endless, lengthy messages. Entire books are being written, sending full biodatas as if I don't know who they are! I already know them and their work," he said."Whatever has to happen will take place in the next two to three days," he added.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.