Srinagar, Nov 06: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Friday rejected speculation about a possible split in the ruling party, asserting that the organisation remained united while acknowledging that grievances raised by around 16 legislators were genuine and deserved attention.
Abdullah made the remarks while speaking to reporters after holding a meeting with the legislators, who had approached the party leadership to express their concerns over various organisational and government related issues.
He said the leadership had listened to the legislators and assured them that their concerns would be addressed through appropriate measures.
“We have spoken to them. Their problems were genuine and they were heard properly. We will take some steps quickly and some steps slowly,” Abdullah said.
Emphasising the need to strengthen both the party organisation and the government, he said the leadership would work towards resolving the issues raised by the legislators and improving governance so that public grievances could be addressed effectively.
Rejecting reports of growing divisions within the National Conference, Abdullah termed speculation about a possible split entirely baseless, asserting that attempts to weaken the party would not succeed.
“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.
The meeting assumes significance amid reports of dissatisfaction among a section of NC legislators following the recent expansion and reshuffle of the Council of Ministers, as well as concerns over the functioning of the party and the government.
Around 16 legislators had sought an interaction with the party’s top leadership, prompting speculation about internal differences within the ruling party.
Abdullah also reiterated that the National Conference would continue its political struggle for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and its erstwhile special status under Article 370 and Article 35A.
“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 constitutional status had featured prominently in the National Conference’s manifesto for the 2024 Assembly elections.
The Supreme Court, in December 2023, upheld the Centre’s August 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370, while directing the Election Commission to conduct Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and asking the Centre to take steps towards restoring statehood at the earliest.
The NC-led government, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, assumed office in October 2024 after the party emerged as the single largest political formation in the Assembly elections.
Friday’s meeting is being viewed as an attempt by the party’s senior leadership to address internal concerns and prevent growing discontent from affecting the functioning of the organisation and the government. (KDC)
