Srinagar, Nov 5 (NVI): A group of dissatisfied National Conference (NC) legislators is scheduled to hold its fourth meeting on Thursday to finalise its demands ahead of a meeting with party president Farooq Abdullah on Friday, amid growing differences within the ruling party.
The legislators are likely to meet at the residence of senior NC leader and MLA Mubarak Gul to discuss their grievances and chalk out a collective strategy before taking up the issues with the party leadership, sources said.
The meeting comes a week after the expansion of the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet on October 27, which reportedly triggered discontent among several party legislators over representation and the decision-making process.
Sources said the group is likely to raise a range of issues, including restructuring of the Cabinet, assessment of ministers who have completed two years in office and action against those perceived to be underperforming.
The legislators have also reportedly sought the withdrawal of the Roads and Buildings portfolio from Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and the removal of Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani.
Apart from the Cabinet-related issues, the meeting is expected to deliberate on governance, coordination between elected representatives and the government, fulfilment of electoral promises, restoration of statehood and special status, and organisational reforms within the party.
The group is also understood to be seeking a formal mechanism for regular consultations with the government to ensure that constituency-level issues and public grievances are addressed effectively.
Meanwhile, dissatisfaction expressed by senior NC leader Mubarak Gul over his exclusion from the recent Cabinet expansion and certain organisational decisions is also understood to be among the issues being discussed by the legislators.
Gul’s son, Younus Gul, has publicly defended his father’s demand for recognition of his longstanding contribution to the party, asserting that seeking due recognition should not be construed as rebellion.
The meeting with Farooq Abdullah on Friday is expected to provide an opportunity for the legislators to present their collective grievances and seek a resolution through internal discussions.—(NVI)
