According to sources, the rebel legislators have demanded the removal of the Chief Minister's adviser and several ministers. The meeting took place in Srinagar on Friday evening, with 18 NC MLAs attending in person. Six other legislators participated through video conferencing and extended their support to the dissatisfied group. The faction includes MLAs from both the Kashmir Valley and Jammu, taking its total strength to 24.
The National Conference has 41 MLAs in the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Omar Abdullah also has the support of six Congress MLAs, while some smaller parties and independent legislators have supported the government. However, if the differences involving the 24 disgruntled legislators are not resolved, the government could face a serious political challenge. The Opposition could also seek a no-confidence motion.
One of the disgruntled MLAs said the legislators wanted to meet the Chief Minister and convey their demands directly. The MLA said Omar Abdullah should listen to their concerns, while clarifying that they were not against the party. However, the legislator maintained that things could no longer continue as they had in the past.
Meeting Held at Kesar Jamshaid Lone's Residence
The rebel faction's meeting was held at the residence of MLA Kesar Jamshaid Lone. During the meeting, the legislators signed a resolution outlining their demands. They called for the removal of Chief Minister's adviser Nasir Aslam Wani and the dismissal of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, along with certain other ministers.
The legislators have also demanded the removal of ministers who have completed two years in office and a complete restructuring of the Council of Ministers. All 24 rebel NC MLAs are reportedly supporting these demands.
During the meeting, some senior legislators became emotional while recounting their experiences with the party leadership and the Chief Minister's adviser. They reportedly described how they had been treated by the leadership, adding to the growing dissatisfaction within the party.
Meanwhile, the internal crisis has been further complicated by the position taken by National Conference MP from Srinagar, Aga Ruhullah. He has announced that he will resign from both his parliamentary seat and party membership. Ruhullah's relationship with Omar Abdullah has reportedly remained strained for a long time. He has now decided to part ways with the party and pursue a separate political path.
With 24 MLAs expressing dissatisfaction and demanding changes at the highest levels of the government, the National Conference leadership faces mounting pressure to address the internal dispute. The demands for the removal of key leaders and a complete cabinet restructuring have emerged as a significant challenge for Omar Abdullah's government.
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