JKNS Correspondent
Srinagar, Nov 6 (JKNS): Internal discontent within the ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) is set to come into sharper focus on Friday, with a group of 16 legislators preparing to meet party president Dr Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar to press for major political, administrative and organisational reforms following the recent cabinet expansion.
Details available with news agency JKNS stated that, the meeting, scheduled for 10:30 AM, is being seen as a crucial test for the party leadership amid growing resentment among several legislators over their exclusion from the ministerial expansion and alleged lack of consultation in governance and organisational matters.
Dr Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah returned to Srinagar on Thursday from New Delhi and Jammu, respectively, ahead of the proposed interaction.
According to sources, the delegation will be represented by senior NC leaders, including Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi, Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi and other legislators, who are expected to place the collective grievances before the party’s top leadership.
The legislators have reportedly been holding consecutive closed-door meetings over the past few days to formulate a common strategy and finalise their demands. Another round of deliberations was held at the Srinagar residence of MLA Pampore Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi ahead of Friday’s meeting.
*DIRECTIONS TO 16 MLAs FROM TOP NC LEADERSHIP*
However, in a fresh development ahead of the meeting, the NC leadership has reportedly asked the disgruntled legislators to keep independent MLAs out of the delegation.
Sources told JKNS that the message was conveyed through intermediaries, with Thanamandi MLA Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, an Independent legislator supporting the government, set to stay out of the delegation.
*DEMAND REMOVAL OF CM’S ADVISOR*
Among the major demands being raised by the legislators is the removal of Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani. They are also seeking the establishment of a consultative advisory group comprising two to three legislators who would regularly brief the Chief Minister on constituency-level issues, governance concerns and developmental works.
The group is also understood to be seeking implementation of the Dachigam resolution concerning cabinet restructuring and ministerial accountability.
Other demands include the formation of a high-powered disciplinary committee within the party and a separate inquiry committee to examine complaints and grievances raised by legislators.
*STATEHOOD, SPECIAL STATUS ON AGENDA*
Restoration of statehood and special status to Jammu and Kashmir is also expected to figure prominently during the interaction, with the legislators seeking intensified efforts on both fronts.
They are further seeking comprehensive organisational restructuring, strengthening of the party’s media and communication machinery, regular meetings of the National Conference Working Committee and the establishment of a dedicated election cell.
The legislators are also demanding a structured mechanism to improve coordination between elected representatives and the government so that public grievances and developmental requirements of their respective constituencies receive adequate attention.
*CABINET EXPANSION TRIGGERS RESENTMENT*
The internal differences became more visible following the cabinet expansion carried out by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on October 27, when four new ministers were inducted while one minister was dropped.
The reshuffle reportedly disappointed several senior legislators who were expecting ministerial representation. MLA Anantnag West Abdul Majid Bhat alias Larmi and MLA Eidgah Mubarak Gul were among those who publicly expressed disappointment over their exclusion.
The legislators have since held multiple closed-door meetings to coordinate their position and prepare a common set of demands for the party high command.
Meanwhile, NC MLA Salman Ali Sagar has maintained that there is no rebellion within the party, describing the developments as grievances that can be resolved through discussions with the senior leadership.
The outcome of Friday’s meeting is likely to be significant for the National Conference leadership, as the legislators are seeking concrete assurances and institutional mechanisms to address their concerns rather than verbal assurances. (JKNS)
