NC legislators clash with Omar Abdullah over limited cabinet berths

Eighteen National Conference legislators gathered in Srinagar on Friday to protest the recent cabinet expansion that left many senior party leaders out of ministerial posts. The expansion added four new ministers, bringing the total to nine, and sparked an organised meeting at a party MLA’s residence. Legislators said discontent had been simmering since the government formed in 2024, with senior leaders feeling sidelined as the chief minister favoured close associates. A legislator from north Kashmir complained that the decision was arbitrary and that loyal senior leaders were excluded. Omar Abdullah’s election promises had raised expectations; at rallies in Tangmarg, Sopore and Rajpora he told voters that larger victory margins would secure cabinet portfolios for candidates Farooq Ahmad Shah, Irshad Rasool Kar and Ghulam Mohidin Mir, all first‑time legislators. One South Kashmir legislator questioned why the chief minister promised a cabinet berth for everyone when he could only induct nine ministers. The aggrieved lawmakers demanded the removal of two‑year incumbents, fulfillment of promised portfolios, and redress of grievances against chief minister’s advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and party treasurer Gurwinder Singh "Shammi" Oberoi, neither of whom won an assembly seat. Senior figures Mubarak Gul, Abdul Majid Larmi and Nazir Ahmad Khan voiced resentment at being left out, and protests have been staged on their behalf. President Farooq Abdullah named Gul as general secretary in place of Ali Mohammad Sagar, but Gul refused the post. Regional imbalance was highlighted: Kupwara enjoys three representatives in the cabinet and chief minister’s office, while Pulwama, Shopian, Budgam, Bandipora, the Dogra heartland and the Chenab Valley have none. The simmering unrest coincides with senior MP Aga Ruhullah’s announced resignation on Nov 3 and has given the BJP a chance to exploit the split, after previously warning that Omar Abdullah would avoid reshuffles for fear of a party split. ## Context