Resentment rocks National Conference HQ following J&K Cabinet expansion; dropped MLAs and workers stage protests

Disappointment and visible resentment swept through sections of the National Conference on Tuesday after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expanded his council of ministers, with several senior legislators left out of the much-awaited induction. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha administered the oath of office and secrecy to four new ministers at Lok Bhawan, even as party workers staged protests at the National Conference headquarters and senior leaders voiced their hurt.

The four legislators inducted into the council of ministers are veteran NC leader and seven-time MLA Ali Mohammad Sagar (Khaniyar), Altaf Ahmad Kaloo (Pahalgam), Mir Saifullah (Trehgam) and Shamima Firdous (Habba Kadal). The expansion brings the council to its maximum permissible strength under Union Territory rules. The process dropped sports and technical education minister Satish Sharma.

South Kashmir’s senior-most NC leader and Anantnag West MLA Abdul Majid Bhat Larmi was seen with tearful eyes after not being inducted. He said he had been on the list of probable ministers until Monday evening and had not expected a junior to be given preference.

After the swearing-in ceremony, speaking to reporters, Abdul Majid Larmi said:

"I was deserving; from Pampore to the whole south of Kashmir, I am the senior-most, and I have always stood for the party. I will present my views to the party high command, but I will not separate myself from the party; I am a soldier of the party. Still, it is painful—after all, I am the most senior. I respect the party leadership’s decision; some who are inducted deserved it."

The cabinet expansion disappointed not only Larmi but several other legislators, including Mubarak Gul, associated with the party for the last 50 years, and Nazir Gurezi, who is also reportedly not satisfied with the decision.

Mubarak Gul, the veteran leader, said: “I was dropped, and then I am dropped now. I have attended 30 oath-taking ceremonies till now. Every time I was dropped, and today as well, I am being dropped.”

Although Mubarak Gul was made party general secretary, his workers staged protests at the party headquarters, showing resentment over his exclusion from the cabinet. They raised slogans of “Party se istifa do, General Secretary naa manzoor.”

Ali Mohammad Sagar, despite not being well, was inducted in recognition of his vast experience in Jammu and Kashmir politics and his grip within the party. His son, Salman Sagar, the youth face of the National Conference and MLA from Hazratbal, thanked the party high command for the induction, saying it was his father’s experience that had been considered.

Speaking to reporters, Salman Sagar said: “Being a son, I am very happy and party has considered his experience and given him (Ali Mohd Sagar) one more chance to serve the people.” He added that there is resentment, but the party had its own compulsion. “The people you named are party pillars and they will be consoled and there is no question of any differences in party.” On questions about Satish Sharma being dropped and allegations of discrimination against Jammu, he said: “Satish is dropped may he will be taken again and we have to see how he was taken and there is no difference in party it’s all our opposition is creating fuss.”

Sakina Itoo backed Salman. She said:

“What party had decided all is accepting that. Where are the workers protesting at party headquarters, party has given them this right. All can’t be ministers there are many other places where people can serve there are no difference in party.”

The newly inducted ministers expressed happiness over the opportunity. Shamima Firdous said:

“I will continue to take forward the mission of party founder Sher-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah.” Talking about those who are disappointed, she said: “They are main people they may have some complaints; they will come and talk to party leadership.”

Sakina Itoo already in the council of ministers too backed the party’s decision said all can’t be ministers there are many places in the party where people can serve.

Sakina Itoo ( Minister ) what party had decided all is accepting that where are the workers protesting at party headquarters party has given them this right. All can’t be ministers there are many other places where people can serve there are no difference in party”

The ruling alliance partner, the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee, reiterated that it would not join the Omar Abdullah-led government. The party has maintained this stand for the past two years, choosing to stay out over the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma congratulated the new ministers but expressed sympathy for those left out or dropped.

Sharam said: “I congratulate the newly appointed ministers. They should work hard for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and come out of the political tussle the government is currently caught in to serve the common masses.” He added: “I will wipe their tears, but it is Omar Sahab’s responsibility to wipe those tears. We will stand with them.”

The ceremony at Lok Bhawan was attended by senior political leaders and officials. While the National Conference leadership has sought to project unity and described the excluded leaders as party pillars who would be consoled, senior MLAs' open expressions of pain and workers' protests have underlined the undercurrents of resentment following the first major cabinet expansion of the Omar Abdullah government.