National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has dismissed speculation about a possible split within the party, saying that the concerns raised by several legislators were genuine and would be addressed through appropriate steps.
The remarks came after a meeting between the party’s senior leadership and a group of MLAs in Srinagar on Friday. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was also present during the interaction, which focused on grievances relating to the party’s functioning, government affairs and political matters.
Farooq Abdullah said the legislators had been heard properly and that the leadership understood the issues they had brought forward. He indicated that certain matters would be resolved quickly, while others would be taken up gradually to strengthen the party and the government.
The National Conference president firmly rejected suggestions that the legislators were preparing to form a separate group or split the organisation. He maintained that differences could be discussed within the party and insisted that the National Conference remained united.
The dissatisfaction reportedly gained momentum after the recent Cabinet reshuffle, in which some senior legislators were not accommodated. The MLAs are understood to have raised questions about ministerial representation, organisational functioning and the need for greater consultation in important decisions.
Meanwhile, Farooq Abdullah reiterated that the party would continue its efforts for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and its political position on Articles 370 and 35A.
The developments underline the challenges facing the party leadership in addressing legislators’ concerns while maintaining coordination between the organisation and the government.
