Jammu and Kashmir National Conference faces internal crisis as 17 MLAs issue 15-day ultimatum

At least 17 legislators from the ruling National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir have issued a 15-day ultimatum to party president Farooq Abdullah and vice-president Omar Abdullah. The MLAs held a four-hour meeting on Friday in Srinagar at the residence of legislator Qaiser Jamsheed Lone. The internal dispute follows the recent expansion of the cabinet by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, which increased ministers from six to nine. Disgruntled leaders who missed out on berths, including Mubarak Gul, Nazir Gurezi, and Abdul Majeed Larmi, attended the meeting alongside an Independent legislator, Muzaffar Iqbal Khan from Thanamandi.

Grievances And Demands

The legislators passed a joint resolution demanding an end to a kitchen cabinet system and a coterie culture within the party. Attendees criticized the lack of consultation ahead of the cabinet expansion. Leaders also blamed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's adviser Nasir Aslam Wani and MP Shami Oberoi for insulating the leadership and imposing decisions. Furthermore, MLAs raised concerns over unfair portfolio distribution, complaints against Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, and a failure to consult elected members. Despite the strong protest, the legislators ruled out any immediate split in the party, which holds 42 seats and commands the support of 50 MLAs in the 90-member House.

Leadership Troubles

The political pressure on the leadership compounds with National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah announcing plans to quit the party and resign from Parliament on November 3. Mr. Ruhullah criticized the Chief Minister for failing to fight for the return of special status and breaking election manifesto promises. In response to the growing turmoil, party president Farooq Abdullah issued a statement confirming that Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar will continue to function as general secretary until further orders.

Context

Cabinet expansions in coalition and single-party governments frequently trigger internal friction among legislators who expect ministerial berths based on seniority or electoral performance. Regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir often navigate delicate balances between regional representation, party ideology, and governance expectations. Such internal disagreements highlight the challenges political groups face when shifting from opposition campaigns to running a state administration.