J-K Dy CM Dismisses Reports of Ministers’ Resignation Ahead of Cabinet Expansion

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Sunday dismissed speculation that ministers had been asked to resign ahead of a proposed Cabinet expansion, asserting that no such instruction had been issued.

Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the Kali Mata Mandir in Bahu Fort on the first day of Navratri, Choudhary rejected reports claiming that all ministers had submitted their resignations to the Chief Minister ahead of a possible reshuffle.

“As the Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, I am standing here at the feet of Mata and making it clear that no minister has been asked to resign,” he said.

Choudhary maintained that the decision regarding the Cabinet expansion rested with the National Conference president and Chief Minister, adding that their decision would be final.

“Whoever they decide to induct will be inducted, and whoever they decide to remove will be removed,” he said, urging media organisations not to give undue prominence to speculation surrounding the possible reshuffle.

His remarks came amid reports of an impending Cabinet expansion in the Union Territory, which had triggered speculation about changes in the existing ministerial team. The Deputy Chief Minister also raised concerns over the media coverage of a police crackdown on demonstrators in the national capital on October 10.

The incident disrupted the CJP’s plan to organise a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar, Choudhary said. Questioning what he described as limited media attention to the incident, he referred to the reported treatment of children who had travelled to Delhi to demand their rights.

He urged news organisations to focus on such developments rather than giving excessive attention to political speculation. Earlier, Choudhary said he had visited the temple to seek the blessings of Mata along with his family, including his two sons, on the occasion of Navratri.

The Deputy Chief Minister’s statement sought to dispel uncertainty over the reported resignations as the political leadership considers a possible Cabinet reshuffle.