National/Alive News: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is facing growing discontent within the National Conference (NC), with 25 party MLAs reportedly issuing a 14-day ultimatum to the leadership. The legislators have warned that they could withdraw their support from the government if their demands are not addressed within the deadline.
According to media reports, the MLAs are demanding the removal of Chief Minister’s adviser Nasir Aslam Wani and a complete restructuring of the Council of Ministers. They have also sought a transparent, merit-based process for ministerial appointments, alleging that the present system has sidelined several senior legislators.
The MLAs have reportedly threatened to approach Raj Bhavan and formally withdraw their legislative support if the leadership fails to act. However, they have decided to wait for the party leadership’s response before taking further steps.
Four-member delegation to meet Farooq Abdullah
The legislators have decided to form a four-member delegation led by senior leader and Gurez MLA Nazir Ahmad Gurezi and Thanamandi MLA Muzaffar Iqbal Khan. The delegation is expected to meet party president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and submit a memorandum outlining their demands.
Cabinet expansion triggers discontent
The reported dissent comes days after the Cabinet expansion on October 27, when four NC legislators — Ali Mohammad Sagar, Mir Saifullah, Shameema Firdous and Altaf Ahmad Kalloo — were inducted as ministers. Independent MLA Satish Sharma was dropped from the Council of Ministers.
Several senior legislators, including Nazir Ahmad Gurezi and Mubarak Gul, were reportedly left out of the expansion. Gul was subsequently appointed the party’s general secretary in place of Ali Mohammad Sagar.
Srinagar MP announces resignation
Adding to the party’s difficulties, Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has announced that he will resign from both the National Conference and his Lok Sabha membership on November 3. He has criticised the party leadership for allegedly weakening its ideological commitments, particularly its promise to challenge the Centre’s decision on Article 370.
