National Conference President Farooq Abdullah Refutes Split Rumors, Says Legislators' Concerns Will Be Addressed
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Farooq Abdullah said the National Conference remains united, acknowledged genuine grievances from about 16 legislators, and pledged steps to resolve them while reaffirming the party's commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and special status.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Friday rejected reports of a party split, describing them as unfounded. He said the leadership had met with roughly 16 legislators who raised genuine concerns, which would be addressed through a combination of immediate and longer-term measures.
"We have spoken to them. Their problems were genuine and they were heard properly. We will take some steps quickly and some steps slowly," Abdullah told reporters.
Abdullah added that the party would work to strengthen both its organisational structure and the government to better respond to public needs. He emphasized that the National Conference remains cohesive and cannot be divided.
The meeting follows reports of discontent among a segment of NC legislators regarding party and government operations. About 16 MLAs had requested a dialogue with the leadership, prompting speculation about internal differences.
Abdullah also reiterated the party's commitment to seeking the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and the reinstatement of Article 370 and Article 35A, stating the matter would be taken to the Supreme Court. The party had highlighted these issues in its 2024 Assembly election manifesto. The Supreme Court in December 2023 upheld the centre's 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370 while directing that elections be held and statehood be restored as soon as possible. The NC-led government, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, took office in October 2024 after emerging as the single largest party in the Assembly elections.