Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Sunday dismissed reports of resignations by ministers and alleged lobbying ahead of a possible Cabinet expansion, asserting that no minister had stepped down and that decisions on ministerial appointments rested with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah.
Rejecting speculation over differences within the ruling National Conference, Choudhary accused sections of the media of spreading misinformation about an impending Cabinet reshuffle and claimed that such reports were creating unnecessary confusion among people.
“No minister has resigned. I am standing at the feet of Mata and saying this. None of us has submitted a resignation. These are completely false reports,” Choudhary told reporters during a visit to a temple in Jammu.
His remarks came amid speculation over a possible expansion and reshuffle of the Omar Abdullah-led Council of Ministers, with reports suggesting lobbying among party legislators for ministerial berths.
Choudhary rejected the suggestion that aspirants were lobbying for positions, saying the party leadership was capable of assessing the suitability of legislators for ministerial responsibilities.
“When the Omar Abdullah government was formed, nobody lobbied for ministerial positions. It is a misconception that one can secure a ministry through lobbying. Omar Sahib and Dr Farooq Abdullah Sahib know who is capable of what,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister maintained that not every legislator could be accommodated in the Council of Ministers and that such decisions were a normal part of government formation.
“Some become ministers and others do not. This has always been the case. Whenever the leadership decides, it will induct whoever it considers suitable,” he said.
Asked whether the proposed expansion could trigger friction within the National Conference, Choudhary ruled out any possibility of a split, asserting that party legislators continued to repose confidence in the leadership.
“The party has faith in Omar Sahib and Dr Farooq Abdullah Sahib. Whoever they decide to make a minister will become a minister,” he said.
He cited his own political journey to argue that ministerial appointments were not necessarily the result of personal ambitions or political lobbying.
“I had never imagined that I would become an MLA, and today I am the Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. This is because of the blessings of the people and the trust reposed in me by my leadership,” he said.
Choudhary also criticised sections of the media for circulating what he described as fabricated reports about ministerial resignations and internal differences in the government.
“Some media outlets spread false news merely to increase their TRPs. They create misunderstandings among people. Such channels should be boycotted,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister also referred to controversies involving the Election Commission, arguing that the BJP should address questions concerning institutions and developments elsewhere before commenting on the National Conference.
“While talking about others, they should ensure that the ground does not slip from beneath their own feet,” he said.
Earlier, Choudhary offered prayers at the temple on the occasion of Navratri and extended greetings to people, expressing hope for peace, unity and communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir.
