Sources Indicate Growing Resentment Among Legislators Over Ministerial Picks; Omar Abdullah Faces Challenge to Keep Party Ranks United
Srinagar, Oct 30 (KNB): Discontent appears to be growing within the ruling National Conference (NC) following the recent cabinet reshuffle by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, with sources indicating that some disgruntled legislators may seek further changes in the ministerial team.
According to political sources, dissatisfaction over the distribution of ministerial positions has prompted discussions among some party legislators, with concerns reportedly centred on the exclusion of senior leaders and the selection of ministers in the latest reshuffle.
Omar Abdullah inducted four new ministers into his cabinet on October 27, filling vacant positions and dropping Independent MLA Satish Sharma from the ministry.
The newly inducted ministers are Ali Mohammad Sagar, Shamima Firdous, Mir Saifullah and Altaf Ahmad Wani, popularly known as Altaf Kaloo.
The reshuffle has reportedly left several party legislators disappointed, particularly those who had expected a place in the council of ministers. Senior NC leaders, including Mubarak Gul, Abdul Majeed Larmi and Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri, have been among those associated with the discontent surrounding the cabinet expansion.
Gul’s supporters also staged a protest in Srinagar following his exclusion from the cabinet. The party subsequently appointed him general secretary, a move seen as an attempt to address some of the resentment.
Sources indicate that the dissatisfaction may not be limited to individual leaders, with some legislators reportedly seeking a review of the ministerial arrangement and greater consideration in future decisions.
It remains to be seen whether the discontent will lead to a collective demand for changes or remain confined to internal discussions. There is no confirmed indication at present that the disgruntled legislators intend to withdraw support from the government or split from the party.
The developments pose a political challenge for the NC leadership, which will need to address concerns within its legislative ranks while maintaining unity in the party.
The cabinet reshuffle is the first major reorganisation of the Omar Abdullah-led ministry since the government assumed office in October 2024.(KNB)