Abdullahs under pressure after crisis hits National Conference

Jammu and Kashmir’s ruling National Conference (NC) is passing through one of its most challenging political phases in recent years, with growing internal dissent, questions over leadership, dissatisfaction among legislators and the dramatic resignation of Srinagar MP, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, bringing fresh uncertainty to the party’s political future.

Developments over the past week have exposed serious differences within the party, particularly following Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent Cabinet expansion, in which four new ministers were inducted. What was expected to strengthen the government’s functioning has instead triggered resentment among several party legislators, who believe that seniority, experience and regional representation were not adequately considered while allocating ministerial positions.

The discontent soon moved beyond private discussions. Around 18 National Conference legislators apparently held a closed-door meeting in Srinagar, expressing dissatisfaction with the manner in which the Cabinet was expanded. Some legislators also raised concerns about the functioning of the government, the distribution of ministerial portfolios and what they described as the marginalisation of experienced party members.

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The disgruntled legislators apparently sought a wider restructuring of the Cabinet, including changes in ministerial responsibilities and greater consultation with elected representatives. Their concerns were not limited to the inclusion or exclusion of particular individuals; they also reflected a broader debate about the relationship between the party organisation and the government.

LEADERSHIP UNDER PRESSURE

The internal differences gradually developed into a significant challenge for the Abdullah family, which has remained central to the National Conference’s political leadership for decades. Several legislators apparently sought changes in the party’s leadership structure and demanded greater accountability in decisionmaking. Questions were also raised about the role of political advisers and the extent to which elected representatives were being consulted on important government decisions.

The situation eventually required the intervention of party president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

On November 6, the two leaders met a group of dissatisfied legislators at Farooq Abdullah’s Srinagar residence. The meeting was seen as an important attempt to prevent the internal disagreement from escalating into a larger organisational crisis.

Following the meeting, Bijbehara MLA Bashir Ahmad Veeri indicated that the leadership had agreed to implement some of the confidencebuilding measures and suggestions put forward by the legislators immediately, while other issues would be addressed gradually.

Reports following the meeting also suggested that the leadership had proposed a mechanism to improve coordination between ministers and legislators, including departmental consultative groups involving MLAs.