National Conference leaders deny rift after cabinet expansion

National Conference leaders in Jammu and Kashmir dismissed reports of a party split after the recent cabinet expansion. Senior legislators Salman Sagar and Farooq Shah said the party remains one family and that minor differences are natural.

Sagar said party president Farooq Abdullah would personally review the situation within a day or two and address genuine grievances. He added that Abdullah’s decision would be final.

“We are one family, and minor issues do arise from time to time in a family.”

Shah described the NC as a movement with strong public support and said there were no internal differences. He noted that discussions among 18 to 20 MLAs at social gatherings were normal and served the party’s interest.

Kashmir Provincial President Showkat Ahmad Mir and Minister Javed Ahmed Dar also rejected reports of rebellion and factionalism. Mir said a lunch meeting at Lolab MLA Qaiser Jamsheed Lone’s residence was a friendly gathering before the Darbar Move, not a challenge to leadership.

Mir said some legislators met over lunch to discuss the political situation and decided to nominate senior colleagues to convey concerns to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. He insisted there was no rebellion.

Reports indicate that 18 MLAs were preparing a memorandum seeking cabinet changes, restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and Article 370, and time-bound implementation of the 2024 election manifesto. Gul announced a press conference for November 4 amid a row over the general secretary position.