Farooq Abdullah rules out NC split, assures grievance-ridden MLAs of action

SRINAGAR — National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday ruled out the possibility of a split in the party, acknowledging that grievances raised by a group of legislators were genuine and assuring them that their concerns would be addressed in a phased manner.

Speaking to the news agency KNS, after meeting around 16 party legislators at his Gupkar residence, Abdullah said the leadership had heard their concerns and would take necessary steps to resolve them.

"We have spoken to them. Their problems were genuine and they were heard properly. We will take some steps quickly and some steps slowly," he said.

The NC president said efforts would also be made to strengthen the party organisation and the government to ensure that public grievances were addressed effectively.

Rejecting reports of a possible rebellion within the ruling party, Abdullah asserted that the National Conference remained united despite concerns raised by some legislators.

"The news that a split is taking place in the National Conference is completely baseless. This community is organised, and those who think they can break it should remember that it has never been broken and never will be," he said.

Abdullah's remarks came amid speculation over internal differences within the party following a series of meetings by legislators who had expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of the party's functioning and the government's affairs.

The legislators had sought an opportunity to present their concerns directly to the party leadership and discuss organisational and governance-related issues.

Abdullah also reiterated that the National Conference would continue its political and legal efforts for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and special constitutional status.

"Our fight for the restoration of statehood will continue. Our fight for Article 370 and Article 35A will also continue, and, God willing, we will take the matter to the Supreme Court," he said.

Restoration of statehood and special status were among the key commitments made by the National Conference ahead of the 2024 Assembly elections.

The Supreme Court, in its December 2023 verdict, upheld the Centre's August 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370 while directing that Assembly elections be held in Jammu and Kashmir and statehood restored at the earliest.

Meanwhile, NC legislator Nazir Ahmad Gurezi dismissed speculation about the emergence of a breakaway group within the party, saying the legislators had merely sought to raise their concerns before the leadership.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah along with other party legislators at the Gupkar residence, Gurezi said the leadership had assured them that their grievances would be addressed, with some matters to be resolved immediately and others gradually.

"We are legislators of the National Conference. Whenever we have issues, we take them to our party leadership. A few days ago, we sat together at one place, but social media portrayed it as if a separate party had emerged from the National Conference. There was no such group," Gurezi said.

He said the legislators had placed their concerns directly before Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah during the meeting.

"There were certain issues which we brought before the honourable Chief Minister and Farooq Sahib. They have assured us that whether these are political issues or other matters, some will be addressed immediately while others will be resolved gradually," he said.

The legislators had earlier held consultations among themselves following dissatisfaction among sections of the party after the recent Cabinet expansion, prompting speculation about the possibility of a separate faction emerging within the National Conference.

Gurezi maintained that the meetings were intended to discuss grievances and seek their resolution through the party's established leadership rather than challenge its authority.

He said the latest interaction had provided an opportunity to present their concerns directly and receive assurances from the party president and the Chief Minister.

The legislators are expected to continue pursuing their demands within the party while awaiting action on the assurances given by the leadership.

The article first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse at https://kashmirpulse.com/politics/farooq-abdullah-rules-out-nc-split-assures-grievance-ridden-mlas-of-action/117252.html