Jammu, 11 August (H.S.): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the expansion of his Council of Ministers will happen “sometime”, while ruling out any possibility of the exercise before August 15.

“It is work in progress,” Omar said while responding to questions from reporters about the proposed Cabinet expansion.He added that it would not take place before August 15.

The Chief Minister said it would be unfair to the ministers whose names have been assigned to deliver speeches on Independence Day.

“They are preparing their speeches. Let them give their speeches,” the Chief Minister said.Omar expressed surprise at being repeatedly questioned about the Cabinet reshuffle.

“Do you ever ask this question to the Prime Minister Sahib in Delhi? There, for how many months, reshuffle, reshuffle, reshuffle is being talked about, but no one asks there. Here, you are so worried. It will happen sometime, don't worry.”

The Chief Minister also welcomed the prospect of the deadlock in Parliament ending, saying the government should respond to the issues raised by the Opposition, including those related to the student protests and police action.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar