Delhi, J-K: Omar wants finger in Govt, party pies

Farooq Abdullah has reportedly conveyed to the Prime Minister that Omar be given some ‘‘Kashmir-related portfolio like tourism’’ in the reshuffle. Omar feels that as Minister of State for External Affairs his job was too demanding and he has lost touch with J-K.

Earlier Omar had indicated that he would quit as Minister in the Vajpayee Government to take up the reins of National Conference from his father.

Omar’s ‘‘coronation’’, since postponed to June 12 in view of the ongoing Indo-Pak tension, is being planned as a mega event. A huge session of party workers will elect the third generation of Abdullahs as party president.

Is Omar ready to be the chief ministerial candidate in the forthcoming polls? Omar said: ‘‘The situation is still not clear. Let me wait and watch.’’

He was apparently referring to NC’s hopes that the Farooq Abdullah would be elected Vice-President of India. However, NC sources said Farooq was fast losing hopes of making it to the post.

Omar recently complained that ‘‘the NC did not have a lobby in Delhi to press for it (Abdullah’s name). The bargain that NC wanted to strike with Centre was that Farooq be adjusted in Delhi while Omar, ‘the new generation Kashmiri’, provide fresh leadership in J-K. The Abdullahs are also apprehensive about the security of Omar in case he shifts to Srinagar.