‘Op Sindoor has paid dividends’
Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, May 6: National Conference President, Dr Farooq Abdullah, today ruled out any immediate expansion of the Council of Ministers, dismissing speculation that has circulated in recent days about additions to the National Conference-led Government.
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“Don’t expect any cabinet expansion,” Abdullah told reporters at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subah, responding to questions about whether the Government planned to induct more ministers.
His remarks come amid rumors that the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah could soon expand its cabinet. The Jammu and Kashmir government currently has five cabinet members, including the Chief Minister.
Speaking on “Operation Sindoor,” Abdullah said the operation had “paid its dividends” and reiterated his opposition to war. “Wars do not bring solutions. They bring problems,” he said, pointing to the destruction in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East as examples.
Addressing broader political developments in West Bengal, Abdullah said, “The results have come. Mamata is not accepting it. She says that rigging has been done there.”
He also noted shifting political dynamics elsewhere, saying a new government is being formed in Tamil Nadu, the Congress party had won in Kerala, and the Bharatiya Janata Party had secured victory in Assam.
When asked about the influence of SIR, Abdullah said, “Yes, there is an impact of SIR and other things,” without elaborating.
Abdullah, however, dismissed concerns about an impending war in the Middle East. “No, I do not think so. Don’t worry. The world is not ready for war,” he said, citing worsening economic conditions worldwide.
The NC Chief warned that conflict in the region would have severe global consequences due to its concentration of oil and gas resources. “All the petrol and gas is in the Middle East. If there is pressure on this, the condition of the world will get so bad that it will be difficult to survive,” he said, adding that no country wants another war.
Responding to questions about India’s strength, Abdullah said the country was already strong and questioned what more was needed.
On recent reports of explosions in Punjab, he downplayed concerns. “There are always blasts in India. Don’t worry,” he said.
Addressing criticism from opposition parties over issues such as Article 370, statehood and unfulfilled election promises, Abdullah dismissed the attacks. “I think it is a very good thing. This is their job. If they don’t do their job, how will they survive?” he said.
“They can lie and do whatever they want. Our party is doing what it is supposed to do. We will not back down.”
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