Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Friday dismissed speculation about a possible split in the party, asserting that the organisation remained united and that there was no question of a breakaway faction emerging.
His remarks came after a meeting with disgruntled NC legislators at the official residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar, amid growing reports of internal differences following the recent Cabinet reshuffle.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Farooq Abdullah described reports of a party split as baseless and maintained that the National Conference was united and well organised.
He said the concerns raised by the legislators had been discussed seriously and that every member had been given an opportunity to express his views.
The NC president said the leadership would address some of the issues immediately, while others would require time. He added that steps would also be taken to strengthen the government and address the difficulties faced by the people.
Reiterating the party’s political position, Abdullah said the NC would continue its struggle for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and the restoration of Articles 370 and 35-A.
Senior NC leader and Gurez MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi) also rejected speculation that the disgruntled legislators were planning to launch a separate political outfit.
He said no breakaway group had emerged from the National Conference and alleged that recent meetings of legislators had been exaggerated on social media and portrayed as an attempt to form a new political party.
Gurezi said the legislators had approached the party leadership on several occasions to raise their concerns, which had now been formally conveyed to Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
He added that the leadership had assured them that their grievances would be addressed, with some matters expected to be taken up immediately and others resolved gradually.
The meeting assumes significance amid recent tensions within the ruling party, with a section of legislators raising concerns over organisational functioning, governance-related matters and the functioning of the Chief Minister’s close circle.
