Srinagar, Oct 07 : Minor reshuffle in the five month old Mehbooba led PDP-BJP coalition ministry is on cards and some heavy weights known for their proximity to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti are likely to be replaced by some old faces and close affiliations of the PDP top brass.
Authoritative sources disclosed to KNS that minor reshuffle in the coalition ministry discussed at length and breadth with both the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and as well as BJP President Amit Shah by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti during her recent visit to Delhi is expected in next 8-10 days before the shifting of moves offices to winter capital Jammu. However so for decks are cleared for the induction of only one PDP legislator Altaf Bukhari who, sources said, is likely to return as minister.
Interestingly Bukhari was works ministers in the previous ten month old PDP-BJP coalition government headed by late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. “After the resignation of Tariq Hameed Kara, the MLA Amirakadal Bukhari is new PDP face in Srinagar”, Sources said.
Prominent among others likely to inducted in the council of ministers is Mohammad Sartaj Madni who may be nominated to legislative council where some seats are likely to fall vacant with the completion of full term by some MLCs in next six months. Though some others MLAs and MLCs are lobbying hard for their induction in the council of minister but Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, according to sources, has asked them to work for the party instead of knocking her door for seeking ministerial berths. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti herself holding the position of PDP President has just started consultation on the reshuffle in the coalition ministry but is yet to take any final decision on the de-induction of some present ministers and induction of some old faces.
Sources said though BJP is also willing to drop a couple of ministers and bring in new faces but BJP’s central high command has not conveyed final decisions about the de-induction of any of its present ministers and induction of some new faces to Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.
A top PDP leader confirmed to KNS that reshuffle in the state ministry is on cards. “it is prerogative of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to decide time and selection for this event”, he added. (KNS)