Srinagar, Oct 31: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President Kashmir Showkat Ahmad Mir on Saturday dismissed reports of internal differences within the party following the recent Cabinet expansion, asserting that there was no rift or rebel faction and describing a meeting of senior legislators as a friendly gathering.
Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subah, Mir said a senior MLA had invited colleagues for lunch at his residence on Friday to discuss the prevailing political situation in a friendly atmosphere.
“It was not a rebel meeting. They decided to nominate some seniors and put their apprehensions before Omar Sahib. No one gave a byte against the organisation or government,” Mir said.
He dismissed reports about 18 or 27 MLAs attending the meeting and claims of a rebel faction as rumours circulated on social media.
Mir said the party leadership, including president Dr Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, was away, prompting him to clarify the situation amid speculation over the Cabinet expansion and changes in the General Secretary’s position.
Describing the National Conference as a disciplined organisation, he said legislators had the right to express their concerns within the party and that the leadership would address them.
“Inner democracy gives right to everyone to put forth their views. Leadership will convince them. There is no rift,” he said.
Clarifying the General Secretary arrangement, Mir said Dr Farooq Abdullah, as party president, had the prerogative to nominate the General Secretary and had appointed Mubarak Gul to the position.
He explained that following the announcement of local body elections in Kargil, the party needed to issue Mandate Forms A and B, which required authorisation through the president and General Secretary.
“To avoid delay, President used his powers and said Ali Mohammad Sagar will continue as General Secretary till further orders as an interim arrangement to sign the papers,” he said.
Responding to Muzaffar Shah’s claim questioning the signature on the order, Mir said the document had been issued with the president’s approval, explaining that official orders were now processed through scanned signatures.
Senior NC leader Salman Sagar also played down reports of resentment within the party, describing the grievances as a family matter and asserting that the National Conference remained a strong organisation.
Speaking to reporters, Sagar said the recent meeting of senior colleagues, including three-time and four-time legislators, was a normal gathering that had been given undue publicity.
Acknowledging that differences could arise within any organisation, he said the resentment was not as serious as being projected.
“These small things keep happening in homes, this is our family matter. The resentment is not as much as you people are projecting,” he said.
Sagar said Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah would listen to the legislators’ concerns and that they could submit a memorandum to the leadership.
“The things which will seem justified and genuine to Doctor Sahib will be addressed,” he said.
He also dismissed speculation surrounding the General Secretary’s position, saying the arrangement involving Ali Mohammad Sagar was temporary as he had sought some time.
Referring to senior leaders Mian Altaf Ahmad, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi and Hasnain Masoodi, Sagar described them as pillars of the party and said they were not going anywhere.
Meanwhile, Showkat Mir criticised the BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit, predicting that it would forfeit its security deposit in Jammu in the next elections, alleging that the party had failed on the issues of Article 370 and 35A. (GNS)
