Onlykashmir.in News Desk
National Conference MLA Salman Sagar on Thursday dismissed reports of a rebellion within the party, describing the concerns raised by some leaders as minor grievances that would be addressed through direct engagement with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Speaking to reporters, Sagar said the Chief Minister was meeting party members who had expressed dissatisfaction and that the issues would be resolved through discussions.
He rejected suggestions that there had been any deliberate delay in reaching out to the disgruntled leaders. Omar Abdullah, he explained, had been occupied with a busy schedule and was now meeting them.
Describing senior NC leaders Mubarak Gul, Farooq Shah, Jamshed Qaiser Lone and Ajaz Jan as the “tall leaders” and the “spirit of the National Conference”, Sagar said there was no rebellion in the party. He said the leadership remained in touch with members who had grievances and expressed confidence that their concerns would be settled once they met the Chief Minister.
Taking a swipe at those anticipating a split, Sagar remarked that people who were “taking leisure and seeking pleasure” would be disappointed after the leaders met Omar Abdullah. He maintained that differences of opinion should not be confused with a rebellion, adding that contradictions could exist even within a family without indicating a rupture.
The remarks come in the wake of a turbulent week for the party. MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi announced his exit from the NC and his intention to resign from the Lok Sabha, publicly accusing the leadership of abandoning its electoral promises. The NC responded with a strong statement questioning his record. Reports of unease among some other leaders have since fuelled speculation about the party’s unity, which Sagar’s statement is intended to counter.
Political parties often describe internal dissent as a family matter, and a meeting with the party chief is a common route for resolving such differences. Whether the grievances turn out to be minor, as Sagar suggests, will depend on the outcome of the Chief Minister’s interactions with the leaders concerned. The statement did not specify what the grievances were or when the meetings would conclude.
The NC leadership has so far projected confidence about its position in the Assembly and its governance record, while its critics, including opposition parties, have sought to highlight differences within the ranks. How the party manages the current phase is likely to be watched closely in the coming days, particularly as questions about unfulfilled commitments continue to be raised publicly.
