The first major ministerial reshuffle undertaken by Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah with the 2014 Lok Sabha polls in mind signifies two important developments in the National Conference. One, it indicates ailing Farooq Abdullah’s reentry into state politics and two, is shows that Omar now wishes to rely more on old war horses who are strong advocates for autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, rather than the much-touted young loyalists.

The induction of 10 fresh faces on Tuesday, seven from the NC and three from coalition partner Congress, in the council of ministers shows Omar in a new avatar.

“All these new faces have Farooq back in command of the state ahead of the 2014 polls,” said Naseer Ahmad, a political analysts and journalist.