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The MLAs have reportedly demanded a cabinet rejig and removal of key functionaries close to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, including his adviser
Sources said Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah sent a close aide from Delhi to the MLAs, who refused to hold a meeting and demanded direct talks. (Image: PTI/File)
A day after 19 of its MLAs, including independents, reportedly held a “secret” four-hour meeting in Srinagar, the National Conference on Saturday went into damage control mode.
The NC rejected claims of a rift in the party, saying the MLAs meeting was “routine” and “nothing like rebellion”.
According to sources, 19 MLAs had met at the residence of one of the legislators in Srinagar on Thursday (October 29). They have reportedly demanded a cabinet rejig and removal of key functionaries close to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, including his adviser.
The meeting triggered a major upheaval within the NC. Highly placed sources told News18 that Omar Abdullah sent a close aide from Delhi to the MLAs, who refused to hold a meeting and demanded direct talks.
“We want direct talks with the chief minister, we don’t want to talk to his aide,” an MLA is learnt to have said.
This refusal is being seen as a major snub to the leadership, reflecting deep distress among the rebels.
The party leadership, however, downplayed the development. In a press briefing, NC provincial president Showket Ahmed Mir rejected the claims that there is a rift within the party. He added that the MLAs dinner meeting was routine and nothing like rebellion.
Cabinet minister and senior leader Javeed Ahmed Rana said there is nothing wrong and the MLAs spoke within the party forum. He said all their demands will be heard and their concerns resolved.
Rana said the NC is a democratic party, and it is not possible to satisfy everyone but grievances will be addressed.
“Their other demands will also be fulfilled,” he added.
WHAT ARE THE DEMANDS?
- Implement Dachigam Declaration: The MLAs said the agreement has been violated.
- Remove underperforming ministers: All four ministers who have completed two years. They want new faces in the cabinet.
- Remove adviser to CM and key office-bearers: Rebels alleged Kashmir provincial president Showkat Ahmad Mir is harming the party, misleading Omar Abdullah. There are also complaints against Shammi Oberoi. They have also demanded the removal of adviser to the CM.
- Proper representation to Jammu and Pir Panjal: MLAs from Pir Panjal angry with deputy CM. They have alleged funds were used only in his own constituency.
- They have also demanded inner democracy in the party.
National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah has also spoken to several rebel MLAs. He tried to pacify them and gave a proposal that there will be a cabinet reshuffle after one-and-a-half years and those not given a chance will be accommodated then.
“Please don’t be upset. We will adjust those who didn’t get a chance in the cabinet now after one-and-a-half years,” he reportedly told them.
But the rebels have refused this offer as well and are adamant over their demands. The meeting took place at the residence of Lolab MLA Kaiser Jamsheed Lone in Srinagar. Those present in the meeting included Hasnain Masoodi (Pampore), Ghulam Mohiuddin Mir (Rajpora), Javid Ahmad (Karnah), Saif-ud-Din Bhat (Khansahib), Farooq Ahmad Shah (Tangmarg), Mubarak Gul (Eidgah), Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurez), Hilal Akbar Lone (Sonawari), Bashir Ahmad Veeri (Bijbehara), Abdul Majid Bhat alias Larmi (Anantnag West), Aijaz Ahmad Jan (Poonch Haveli), Javid Iqbal Choudhary (Budhal), Arjun Singh Raju (Ramban), Khursheed Ahmad (Gulabgarh), Dr Sajad Shafi (Uri), Mushtaq Ahmad Guroo (Chanapora), Muzaffar Iqbal Khan (Thanamandi), and Independent MLA Engineer Khurshid Ahmed (Langet).
The list shows that the MLAs are not from one region but from Kashmir to Pir Panjal and Jammu. They have, however, said they will not take support from the BJP and continue fighting within the party for their demands.
(With inputs from Tejinder Singh Sodhi)
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Ask News18Nineteen National Conference MLAs, including independents, held a four-hour meeting at a legislator’s residence in Srinagar to demand a cabinet rejig, the implementation of the Dachigam Declaration, and the removal of key officials close to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, including his adviser and specific ministers.
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Srinagar, India, India
October 31, 2026, 10:16 IST
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