New Delhi: A new coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir will have a Deputy Chief Minister from Congress from Jammu region and is expected to take oath in Srinagar on November 2.

The Congress nominee will be selected by party chief Sonia Gandhi after consultations with senior leaders, Congress leader Arjun Singh told reporters.

Party sources said the post of Speaker would also go to the Congress.

The names are to be announced shortly, they said.

The sources said that the coalition, comprising Congress, People's Democratic Party (PDP), Democratic People's Front and Panthers Party, may approach Governor G C Saxena on October 28 to stake claim for formation of the government headed by PDP chief Mufti Sayeed.

The swearing-in is likely to take place on November 2 but the date will be finalised depending on "convenience" of Gandhi who has been "requested" to attend the ceremony, a source said.

The coalition partners have also decided to form a co-ordination committee, which is likely to be headed by state Congress president Ghulam Nabi Azad, sources said, adding that it will be in place after formation of the government.

"The person should hail from Jammu and should not belong to the upper caste," a source said citing a condition of the PDP to the Congress.

A source said that the number of ministers would not be more than 26, the strength of the previous National Conference government, and all partners would be accommodated "suitably".

PTI