The recent expansion of the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, which saw the induction of four new ministers, has triggered expressions of disappointment and discontent among several National Conference (NC) MLAs who were overlooked for ministerial berths. The swearing-in ceremony, held at Lok Bhavan on Tuesday, saw Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha administer the oath of office and secrecy to the newly appointed ministers. The four MLAs who took the oath were Ali Mohammad Sagar, Altaf Ahmad Wani, Shamim Firdous, and Saifullah Mir. This cabinet reshuffling marks the first such expansion since the National Conference secured power following the 2024 Assembly elections. Notably, the party chose to drop an Independent legislator from the Jammu region who had been inducted as a minister after the government’s formation in 2024, replacing them with four new members, all hailing from the Kashmir valley. However, the move has not been without internal friction, as several senior MLAs have voiced their displeasure, alleging that considerations of seniority were disregarded in the selection process. Abdul Majeed Larmi, a legislator representing a South Kashmir constituency, publicly stated that he believed he was more deserving of a Cabinet position than Altaf Ahmad Kaloo, another legislator from the same region who was sworn in on Tuesday. Larmi, who is serving his third term as a legislator, asserted, “He (Altaf) came into the party yesterday. I am openly saying that I deserved it.” Despite his disappointment, Larmi affirmed his continued commitment to working for the party’s objectives. Mubarak Gul, a prominent NC leader and legislator from the Eidgah constituency, also conveyed his disappointment at being excluded from the new Cabinet. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the party has since announced Gul’s appointment as the new general secretary. Following this announcement, supporters of Mubarak Gul reportedly staged a protest at the NC headquarters in Srinagar, demanding his resignation from the party. Sources also indicated that an MLA from north Kashmir, who was widely considered a strong contender for a Cabinet position, expressed significant upset over his exclusion. In response to the unfolding situation, J-K Minister Sakina, speaking on Tuesday, emphasized the party’s internal unity, stating, “Everyone in the party, whether our MLAs or party office-bearers, is united and works for the party.” The cabinet expansion, intended to strengthen the government’s administrative capacity and political representation, has inadvertently highlighted internal party dynamics and the aspirations of its elected representatives. The selection of ministers often involves a delicate balance of regional representation, political experience, and loyalty, and this latest expansion appears to have created a rift among some party members. The National Conference, a long-standing political force in Jammu and Kashmir, faces the challenge of managing these internal grievances while maintaining a cohesive front as it governs the region. The exclusion of senior MLAs, particularly those with multiple terms of service, raises questions about the party’s internal decision-making processes and its approach to rewarding experience and loyalty. The protests by Gul’s supporters further underscore the depth of dissatisfaction among certain factions within the party. The coming days will likely see further political maneuvering and attempts to assuage the concerns of the excluded MLAs, as the party leadership seeks to restore internal harmony and focus on governance. The composition of the new Cabinet will be closely watched for its impact on policy implementation and regional development across Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference’s ability to effectively address the discontent within its ranks will be crucial for its long-term political stability and its mandate to serve the people of the Union Territory. The induction of new ministers, all from the Kashmir valley, may also lead to discussions about regional balance within the government’s executive structure. The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir is complex, and such internal dynamics can have significant implications for the region’s governance and political discourse.
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.
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