JAMMU: The latest cabinet reshuffle by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has triggered a political controversy over regional representation, with Jammu district left without a minister and Hindu representation reduced to a single member in the nine member council.
Following Tuesday’s changes, seven ministers are from the Kashmir Valley, while Jammu division has two representatives, both from the Pir Panjal region of Rajouri and Poonch. Eight of Jammu division’s 10 districts, including Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar and Reasi, have no representation in the cabinet.
The reshuffle has renewed concerns over the political balance between the two regions, particularly because Jammu city and Srinagar have traditionally played significant roles in the Union Territory’s political structure.
Before the reshuffle, the cabinet had two Hindu ministers: Satish Sharma, an Independent MLA from Chhamb, and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary from Nowshera. With Sharma’s removal, Choudhary is now the only Hindu member of the council.
Several legislators from Jammu division could potentially have provided regional and religious representation. These include Pyare Lal Sharma from Inderwal in Kishtwar, Rameshwar Singh from Bani in Kathua and National Conference MLA Arjun Singh Raju from Ramban.
Their exclusion has intensified questions over the government’s approach to balancing representation across Jammu’s diverse districts.
Jammu district has 11 Assembly constituencies but no minister in the reshuffled cabinet, while Srinagar district has two representatives. The absence of ministers from the Jammu, Samba and Kathua belt, which has substantial industrial and political significance, has further fuelled criticism.
The entire Chenab Valley, comprising Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar, is also without cabinet representation.
The BJP has criticised the reshuffle, arguing that it reflects the National Conference’s alleged preference for Kashmir over Jammu. Discontent has also emerged among sections of the ruling party, with some legislators reportedly unhappy over the distribution of ministerial positions.
Political observers believe the government may face growing pressure to address the imbalance through appointments to boards, corporations and advisory positions or through future cabinet changes.
The controversy could become a significant political issue ahead of the next District Development Council, panchayat and urban local body elections, particularly if concerns over regional representation remain unresolved.
