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Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh resigned on Sunday, ahead of a major Cabinet reshuffle on Monday. The post will be filled by Jammu and Kashmir assembly speaker and BJP leader Kavinder Gupta.
Singh said, "I have resigned as the Deputy Chief Minsiter of the government. A fresh face from the BJP will be taking over."
State Assembly Speaker Kavinder Gupta will be the new Deputy Chief Minister, a BJP leader said.
This comes as the much-awaited reshuffle in the Mehbooba Mufti led Jammu and Kashmir government is yet to take place with the BJP expected to bring in some new faces.
In an interview to India TV, Kavinder Gupta, who will take charge as Dy CM said that he would take the responsibility and forge ahead in unison.
J&K Governor N N Vohra will administer the oath of office and secrecy to those being inducted into the council of ministers at the convention centre at 12 noon, an invitation for the ceremony read.
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Officials said the function is being held at the convention centre instead of Raj Bhavan as Jammu and Kashmir government has already shifted its base to summer capital Srinagar as part of the bi-annual 'darbar move', under which the government functions six months each in the twin capital cities.
The Civil Secretariat, the seat of Jammu and Kashmir government, and Raj Bhavan closed here on Friday and will reopen along with other move offices in Srinagar on May 7.
Speculation was rife that PDP ally BJP, besides filling up two vacancies, is likely to induct some new faces in the council of ministers by dropping others.
