SRINAGAR, AUGUST 10 - Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday indicated that the expansion of his council of ministers is likely to take place after August 15, ending months of speculation over the much-awaited exercise.

Speaking to media in summer capital city Srinagar CM Omar said the government would go ahead with it but not before the Independence Day celebrations.

“Will do it, but not before August 15,” the chief minister said.

His remarks are expected to bring some clarity to the speculation surrounding the induction of new ministers into the National Conference-led government.

The proposed expansion has been under discussion amid demands for wider political representation and a possible redistribution of portfolios within the council.

CM Omar, however, did not indicate the likely date of the expansion or disclose the names of those who could be inducted into the ministry.

The chief minister is expected to hold further consultations with leaders of the ruling alliance before finalising the names and portfolios.

The expansion is also being closely watched in political circles as the government seeks to strengthen its administrative set-up and ensure representation from different regions of the Union Territory.

The Omar Abdullah-led government was formed after the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, with the National Conference emerging as the single-largest party.