The National Conference (NC) party in Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with internal dissent following a recent cabinet reshuffle, with a significant group of 17 MLAs convening for a closed-door meeting. This internal gathering comes just days after the cabinet expansion, signaling potential dissatisfaction within the party ranks. Adding to the growing unrest, Srinagar Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah Mehdi has publicly announced his intention to resign from both the party and his Lok Sabha seat on November 3.
The meeting of the 17 MLAs reportedly took place on Friday evening. Among those present were prominent figures such as Mubarak Gul, who was recently appointed as the party’s general secretary, and Abdul Majid Larmi, an MLA who had previously voiced his displeasure over not being included in the new cabinet. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that discussions during this closed-door session also touched upon alleged interference by Nasir Aslam Wani in the party’s internal affairs, alongside other organizational matters.
In a development that appears to be a subtle snub to Mubarak Gul’s recent appointment, NC president Farooq Abdullah has reportedly instructed Ali Mohammad Sagar to continue in his role as the party’s general secretary. This decision may further fuel internal tensions within the party structure.
MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi articulated his decision to step down in a post on the social media platform X. He stated, “The crown prince and his cabal treat J&K as an estate passed down through the family. They expect the people to vote, then know their place. They take us for fools who cannot tell a broken promise from a political necessity.” Mehdi further elaborated on the reasons behind his impending departure, asserting, “We demanded the restoration of Article 370, the release of prisoners and the protection of our rights. They sought power on those promises, then treated us as fools for expecting them to deliver. We refuse to lend our name to this humiliation. There is no fixing this rot from within.”
Political observers have also weighed in on the internal dynamics, with some suggesting that Omar Abdullah‘s decision to field Ruhullah from the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency in the last elections might have been a strategic misstep. The constituency has historically been considered a stronghold of the Abdullah family, and the choice of candidate may have contributed to the current internal friction.
The dissent within the National Conference highlights the complex political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. The party, a significant player in regional politics, is now facing the challenge of managing internal disagreements that could impact its electoral prospects and governance. The resignation of a sitting MP, coupled with a meeting of a substantial number of MLAs, indicates a deep-seated discontent that the party leadership will need to address urgently. The specific grievances raised by the MLAs and MP Mehdi, particularly concerning broken promises and perceived dynastic control, point to a broader disillusionment that could resonate with the electorate.
The cabinet reshuffle, intended to strengthen the government’s position and address governance challenges, appears to have inadvertently opened old wounds and exacerbated existing fault lines within the NC. The allegations of interference and the perceived disregard for the aspirations of certain party members suggest a potential disconnect between the leadership and the grassroots cadre. The future course of action for the dissenting MLAs and the party’s response to these challenges will be closely watched by political analysts and the public alike.
The situation underscores the delicate balance of power and influence within regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference, with its long history and significant electoral base, is now at a critical juncture where it must navigate these internal conflicts to maintain its unity and credibility. The coming days are likely to reveal the extent of the fallout from this dissent and the leadership’s strategy to mitigate its impact.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.