Srinagar, Oct 25 : National Conference MLA from Pahalgam Altaf Ahmad Kaloo on Sunday said the decision on the much-awaited cabinet expansion and possible reshuffle rests entirely with the party leadership, asserting that no legislator knows who will be inducted into the Council of Ministers.
Speaking exclusively to Kashmir News Service (KNS) amid growing speculation over his possible induction into the Omar Abdullah-led ministry, Kaloo said the final decision would be taken by National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
“No one knows who will become a minister and who will not. The decision rests with our leadership, Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah. Whatever the party decides must be accepted and respected by everyone,” Kaloo told KNS.
Asked about his name figuring prominently among the possible ministerial candidates, the Pahalgam legislator declined to speculate about his chances, saying the picture would become clear only when the cabinet expansion and reshuffle actually take place.
“Nothing is certain. Nobody knows who will be inducted. Everything will become clear on the day the cabinet expansion and reshuffle take place,” he said.
Responding to a question on whether his possible elevation was linked to his performance as a legislator or considerations of representation from south Kashmir, Kaloo reiterated that the decision was the prerogative of the party’s senior leadership.
“Our leadership knows what is required and will take the decision. A party soldier must always be ready to work in whatever capacity the leadership assigns,” he said.
Kaloo also dismissed suggestions that the selection of ministers could create differences within the National Conference, maintaining that the party remained united.
“I am fully confident that whatever decision the party takes, there will be no confusion or differences. We stand united, and whatever decision is taken will be our collective decision,” he said.
His remarks come amid heightened political activity surrounding the anticipated expansion of the Omar Abdullah-led Council of Ministers, with several National Conference legislators being discussed as possible contenders for ministerial positions.
Kaloo, however, maintained that speculation would continue until the leadership formally announced its decision, reiterating that party discipline and collective responsibility would prevail irrespective of who secured a ministerial berth. (KNS)
