Internal Crisis Threatens Omar Abdullah's Government in Jammu and Kashmir
The Omar Abdullah-led government in Jammu and Kashmir faces a significant challenge as 25 National Conference MLAs have issued a 14-day ultimatum for reforms, threatening to withdraw their support if demands are unmet.
The government led by Omar Abdullah in Jammu and Kashmir is encountering a serious internal crisis, with 25 National Conference (NC) MLAs reportedly issuing an ultimatum to the party leadership. They have threatened to withdraw their support if their demands are not addressed within 14 days.
Sources indicate that the dissident legislators plan to march to Raj Bhavan to formally withdraw their legislative support if their conditions are not met. Their primary demands include a complete overhaul of the current government, the removal of all existing ministers, and the dismissal of the Chief Minister's Advisor. They are also calling for the establishment of a new council of ministers through a transparent and merit-based process, emphasizing the need for broader consultation within the party regarding ministerial appointments.
Additionally, the rebel faction has raised concerns about the party's ideological commitments, specifically calling for a stronger push for the restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A, while opposing perceived compromises on these issues. They expect the government to advocate these demands forcefully with the BJP-led central government.
The situation is further complicated by the impending resignation of Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, who has announced he will resign from both the National Conference and his Lok Sabha seat on November 3. Ruhullah has criticized the party leadership for straying from its ideological commitments and failing to uphold the promises made regarding constitutional changes introduced in August 2019.
The rebellion poses a significant threat to the political stability of the Omar Abdullah government, which holds 41 seats in the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. A coordinated withdrawal of support from 25 MLAs would severely undermine the government's operational majority, raising questions about its viability. The Abdullah leadership now faces the urgent task of addressing the dissidents' demands and preventing further fragmentation within the party as the deadline approaches.