NC turmoil: Over 10 disgruntled MLAs hold 3rd closed-door meet since reshuffle

Political uncertainty within the National Conference (NC) showed no signs of abating on Wednesday, with around 10 to 15 disgruntled MLAs meeting behind closed doors in Srinagar to discuss their future course of action, amid growing discontent over Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's cabinet reshuffle.

The meeting marks the third such gathering of disgruntled NC legislators since Omar reshuffled his cabinet on October 27, following months of speculation and delays. What was meant to fill vacancies and strengthen the government has instead exposed growing resentment within the party, with several MLAs who had hoped for ministerial berths making their displeasure public.

Sources said the legislators discussed their future course of action at Wednesday's meeting, as the party leadership continued its efforts to contain the fallout from the reshuffle.

The latest meeting comes on the day a deadline set by veteran NC leader Mubarak Gul for the party to consider his demands, including his induction into the council of ministers, expired. Gul, a six-time MLA and former Speaker of the Assembly, had set November 4 as the deadline on October 27.

Gul met his supporters on Wednesday to discuss the future course of action. However, speaking to reporters at his official residence after the meeting, he declined to comment on the matter, saying he would make a statement at an appropriate time.

"I deeply value the emotions, feelings and sentiments of my colleagues, which date back to nearly 75 years," he said.

"God willing, things will unfold at the appropriate time...I have no further statements to make," he said, adding that he would continue to fight.

"I am a fighter, and I will keep fighting," he said.

The discontent within the party had intensified a day earlier when Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi announced his resignation from the National Conference at a rally in Srinagar marking the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi.

Ruhullah, who was elected to the Lok Sabha on an NC ticket in 2024, hinted at forming a new political outfit in Jammu and Kashmir during an 80-minute speech to his supporters.

In a show of strength, the influential Shia leader attacked NC president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing them of abandoning the fight to restore Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir within the Union of India.

Soon after the cabinet reshuffle, sources told India Today that several other NC MLAs were unhappy with the party leadership for denying them ministerial berths. The leadership is believed to be working to pacify the disgruntled legislators, but Wednesday's meeting suggests that the discontent remains unresolved.- EndsInputs from PTI

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