Omar Abdullah Expands J&K Cabinet: Four National Conference Leaders Take Oath as Ministers

October 27, 2026

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday administered the oath of office and secrecy to four new ministers in Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s government.

All four ministers belong to the ruling National Conference (NC). The new members are senior party leader Ali Muhammad Sagar, Shameema Firdous, Mir Saifullah and Altaf Ahmad Wani, popularly known as Altaf Kaloo.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Lok Bhawan auditorium in the Chashma Shahi area of Srinagar.

Four New Ministers Join Omar Abdullah Government

Ali Muhammad Sagar, who represents the Khanyar Assembly constituency in Srinagar, has won the seat seven times, making him one of the party’s senior leaders.

Shameema Firdous, the MLA from Habba Kadal in Srinagar, has won the constituency twice. Mir Saifullah represents Trehgam in Kupwara district, while Altaf Kaloo is the MLA from Pahalgam in Anantnag district.

The cabinet expansion brings several experienced National Conference leaders into the government as it looks to improve governance and address public grievances.

Cabinet Strength Rises to Nine

With the induction of the four ministers, the strength of the Jammu and Kashmir cabinet, including the Chief Minister, has reached nine.

The ministers retained in the government include Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary, Sakina Itoo, Javed Rana and Javaid Ahmad Dar.

Under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the cabinet can have a maximum of 10 members, including the Chief Minister, based on the Union Territory’s 90-member Assembly.

Omar Abdullah, in consultation with National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, brought senior party leaders into the cabinet as part of the expansion. According to party sources, the move aims to improve governance and make it easier for people to reach the government with their concerns.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC president Farooq Abdullah attended the ceremony along with ministers, the Chief Minister’s adviser Nasir Aslam Wani, senior party leader and MLA Mubarak Gul, civil and police officers, and other prominent citizens.