AKHIL MAHAJAN
JAMMU/SRINAGAR: The ruling National Conference (NC) is facing a difficult ‘political test’ following the recent Cabinet expansion on October 27, with reports of growing resentment among its legislators, with a closed-door meeting of party MLAs and the awaiting exit of Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi putting the party leadership under pressure.
While senior NC leaders on Saturday dismissed the reports of a rebellion but the recent political developments have brought internal differences into sharper focus, raising questions about the party’s ability to contain discontent.
Today, several NC leaders denied that the party was facing a rebellion, playing down the significance of the meeting attended by nearly 18 legislators at the residence of Lolab MLA Qaiser Jamsheed Lone in Srinagar on Friday. The gathering included 17 NC MLAs and Independent MLA Muzaffar Iqbal Khan. Party leaders described the meeting as an informal gathering and maintained that differences, if any, could be addressed within the party.
However, the absence of a clear public response from the MLAs who attended the ‘close-door’ meeting has kept speculation alive. None of the MLAs had publicly come forward to directly counter the reports about dissatisfaction with the Cabinet expansion and the issues discussed at the gathering.
“Their silence, even as the party leadership denied any serious internal trouble, has added to the political uncertainty”, sources said.
If the sources are believed then the situation could become more complicated on November 3, when MP Aga Syed Mehdi Ruhullah is scheduled to carry out his announced decision to resign from the NC and surrender his Srinagar-Budgam Lok Sabha seat. The MP has maintained that his decision is linked to what he describes as the party’s failure to honour its electoral commitments, particularly on the restoration of Article 370, release of prisoners and protection of people’s rights.
Sources added that the office of MP Ruhullah has confirmed November 3 as the date of his resignation, which coincides with the death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi.
Meanwhile, MLA Mubarak Gul, whose exclusion from the Cabinet has also drawn attention, is expected to break his silence on the entire episode on November 4.
A family insider, when approached by THE EARTH NEWS, confirmed that the senior NC legislator would appear before the media and speak about the developments. His statement is being keenly awaited, particularly after his name figured among those attending Friday’s meeting.
The political calculations have also extended to the possible vacancy in the Srinagar-Budgam parliamentary constituency.
Media reports have also suggested that the NC can consider Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather as a possible candidate for the seat after Ruhullah’s resignation. Rather, a senior party leader and seven-time legislator, currently hold the post of Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. Any move to field him for Parliament would require a change in his present position and a formal decision by the party.
While talking to THE EARTH NEWS, Speaker said, “I don’t believe on speculations and don’t want to comment over them”.
Sources further informed that in another reported organisational development, NC legislator Nazir Ahmad Khan, popularly known as Gurezi, would be considered for the post of Assembly Speaker in future if need arises. THE EARTH NEWS tried to contact MLA Khan for his comment but he did not respond till the filing of the story.
There is no doubt in saying that the coming days are likely to test the NC leadership’s ability to manage competing demands and prevent the discontent from spreading further. With Ruhullah’s announced exit approaching and Gul preparing to address the media, the NC’s public denial of a rebellion will face closer scrutiny against the developments unfolding within its own ranks.
Meanwhile, the NC dismissed reports of a party rebellion over Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s expansion of the council of ministers on October 27, saying it would discuss any grievances from party leaders internally.
In Jammu, tribal affairs minister Javed Rana also dismissed speculation of an internal rift within the NC. “The BJP’s wishes will not be fulfilled. The NC is a strong organisation, both politically and organisationally, and there is nothing to worry about,” he told reporters.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, NC provincial secretary, Kashmir, Showkat Mir, described the reported meeting of a group of NC MLAs here on Friday as a get-together before the Darbar Move.
“Regarding yesterday’s meeting, our sources and several MLAs mentioned that one MLA invited them over, saying, ‘The Darbar Move is taking place, so please come to my residence so we can chat.’ It is certainly their right to meet, sit together in a cordial atmosphere over lunch, and exchange views on the current political situation,” Mir said.
He said the MLAs discussed several issues, including nominating a delegation of senior leaders to meet with the chief minister and present their concerns directly to the leadership.
“There was no rebellion whatsoever,” Mir asserted.
Referring to the speculations about the meeting, the NC leader said, “Widespread rumours began circulating, with some claiming 18 MLAs were involved, others said 27, and some cited 11. The BJP even claimed that for the first time, Jammu & Kashmir would see a BJP chief minister. All of this is sheer speculation and unsubstantiated rumour; there is no truth to it.”
Mir said those who attended included senior legislators — leaders who have served as Cabinet ministers, Deputy Speakers, Speakers, and individuals who have won four consecutive electoral terms. “If they discuss matters within their own party family about the challenges ahead, it is conducted within a friendly and internal atmosphere. Nobody gave a press statement against the party organisation or against the government,” he said.
