Srinagar, Oct 31 (KNS): National Conference (NC) Provisional President Showkat Mir on Saturday dismissed reports of rebellion and factionalism within the party, saying a meeting of party MLAs held recently was an internal exercise in democracy and there was no confrontation with the leadership.
Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), Mir said several party legislators had gathered in a friendly atmosphere to discuss their concerns and future challenges, asserting that no one had spoken against the party organisation or the government.
"There was no rebellion. They sat together in a friendly environment to discuss the challenges ahead. No one gave any statement against the organisation or the government," he said.
His remarks came amid reports that 17 NC MLAs had held a meeting to discuss demands, including the removal of an adviser, reshuffling of four Cabinet members and an internal inquiry within the party.
Mir said the legislators had decided to approach the party leadership through senior members to put forward their concerns, adding that social media had given the meeting a different interpretation.
He acknowledged that some legislators might be disappointed over not being accommodated in the Cabinet but said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had limited ministerial positions at his disposal.
"Everyone wants to become a minister, and there are expectations, particularly from those who have won elections repeatedly. But Omar Abdullah has only eight ministerial positions available, which is why he initially inducted five ministers," he said.
Mir said the party hoped that the Centre would fulfil its commitment of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, which, he said, would increase the number of ministerial positions and allow more legislators to be accommodated.
He also criticised the BJP's Jammu and Kashmir leadership, accusing it of failing to fulfil its electoral promises regarding restoration of statehood and protection of constitutional provisions.
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On reports surrounding the appointment of the party's general secretary, Mir said the matter was an organisational arrangement necessitated by the upcoming local body elections in Kargil and should not be interpreted as a sign of internal discord.
He said National Conference president Farooq Abdullah had the authority to nominate the party's general secretary and had authorised senior leader Ali Mohammad Sagar to continue in the position until further orders to complete the required formalities for the Kargil elections.
Explaining the arrangement, Mir said the party had reached an understanding with the Islamic School of Kargil regarding all 17 local body seats, under which candidates would be recommended by the institution but contest under the National Conference banner.
He said the party needed to issue mandate forms within a short period and the temporary arrangement was made to ensure that the election process was not affected.
"There is no rift, no fight and no quarrel. This is an organisational issue. There is a difference between internal democracy and rebellion. Leaders have the right to raise their concerns before the leadership," he said.
Mir also referred to senior party leaders, including Mujeeb Larvi, Abdul Rahim, Veeri and Nazir Ahmad Gurezi, saying they had made significant contributions to the National Conference and remained important members of the organisation.
He said the party leadership was aware of the expectations among legislators and that further organisational and political adjustments could not be ruled out.
Mir reiterated that differences within a political party should be addressed internally and should not be portrayed as a revolt against its leadership. (KNS)
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