National Conference leaders reach out to disgruntled Jammu and Kashmir lawmakers
Top party officials held talks with approximately 20 legislators who raised demands to restructure the National Conference.
Senior National Conference (NC) leaders have begun efforts to reach out to around 20 legislators in Jammu and Kashmir who have expressed dissatisfaction with party functioning. According to The Hindu, the dissidents have put forward a 10-point memorandum to restructure the party and addressed concerns regarding certain leaders close to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
NC general secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, his son Salman Sagar, and MP Shami Oberoi held talks in the past 24 hours with several dissident leaders. These leaders met at the Srinagar residence of lawmaker Qaiser Jamsheed Lone on October 27.
The 10-point memorandum includes demands for the time-bound implementation of the election manifesto and the restoration of Statehood and special status. It also calls for the constitution of a consultative advisory group of legislators, a high-powered disciplinary committee, and immediate organisational reforms.
The memorandum raised objections regarding the adviser to the Chief Minister, Mr. Wani, and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary. It also requested regular meetings of the party's State Working Committee and the establishment of an election cell.
NC leader Hilal Lone, who represents the Sonawari constituency, stated that the gathering at a colleague's residence was not intended to ditch the party or its leader. He said that concerns would be placed before Omar Abdullah once he returns from Delhi.
Lawmaker Showkat Hussain Ganai, from Zainapora, said that no legislator intends to topple the government, though some may have grievances that need to be addressed by the party.