The reported ultimatum includes a threat to withdraw support from the government, but the number of legislators endorsing that warning and the deadline itself have not been independently established. A memorandum submitted by 18 party legislators provides firmer evidence of organised dissent following Tuesday’s cabinet expansion.
The memorandum calls for another restructuring of the council of ministers, removal of political adviser Nasir Aslam Wani and stronger action on the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and constitutional safeguards. Its signatories also want the government to implement the National Conference’s election commitments within a defined timetable.
The disagreement has exposed divisions over ministerial appointments, consultation with elected representatives and the administration’s political priorities. However, the party leadership has rejected suggestions of an outright rebellion, maintaining that differences can be addressed through internal discussions.
National Conference Kashmir provincial president Showkat Ahmad Mir described Friday’s gathering of legislators as an informal meeting rather than an attempt to destabilise the government. He acknowledged disappointment among members excluded from ministerial positions and said the limited number of available cabinet places had constrained Abdullah’s choices.
The legislators met at the Srinagar residence of Qaiser Jamsheed Lone, the party’s representative from Lolab. Accounts of attendance differ, with 18 legislators identified as participants in the memorandum and other accounts suggesting additional members joined discussions remotely or supported their demands.
That distinction matters because expressions of dissatisfaction do not automatically amount to a decision to withdraw legislative support. No formal withdrawal by the group has been established, and its members have also presented their demands as an attempt to improve the party’s functioning rather than replace its leadership.
The memorandum seeks wider consultation within the legislature party on cabinet appointments and greater accountability in government. It also calls for improved communication between the Chief Minister, elected representatives and the organisation, reflecting complaints that decisions have been concentrated among a small circle of advisers.
Among the specific objections is the continued allocation of the Roads and Buildings portfolio to Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary. The legislators want decisions discussed at an earlier party meeting in Dachigam implemented, including concerns about the performance of senior ministers.
Abdullah inducted Ali Mohammad Sagar, Mir Saifullah, Shamima Firdous and Altaf Ahmad Wani into the council of ministers on October 27. The expansion followed dissatisfaction over representation, but it also prompted complaints from legislators who believed their constituencies and political contributions had been overlooked.
The reshuffle removed Satish Sharma from the ministry and reduced responsibilities assigned to Javid Rana, while Choudhary retained Roads and Buildings alongside Industries and Commerce. Those decisions have become central to the internal dispute, with dissenters seeking a broader redistribution of responsibilities.
Political demands extend beyond ministerial posts. The legislators want the National Conference to pursue restoration of statehood and Article 370 more forcefully with the central government, arguing that these issues formed an essential part of the party’s electoral mandate.
The constitutional question has particular significance because Jammu and Kashmir remains a Union Territory, limiting the elected government’s authority in important areas. Decisions on restoring statehood and the former constitutional arrangements ultimately involve institutions beyond the territorial administration.
Pressure on the leadership has also increased following Srinagar parliamentarian Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi’s announcement that he intends to resign from the National Conference and his Lok Sabha seat on November 3. He has criticised what he considers insufficient commitment to the party’s position on constitutional protections.
The National Conference holds 41 seats in the 90-member Assembly and governs with support from other legislators. Any substantial loss of backing could create a serious legislative challenge, although the government’s position cannot be assessed simply by treating every dissatisfied MLA as a confirmed defector.
The party’s numerical strength makes the distinction between internal dissent and formal withdrawal particularly important. A change in legislative allegiance would require identifiable action by individual members, while any dispute over party membership or disqualification could raise separate constitutional questions.
The dissenting legislators have additionally proposed a consultative group to brief Abdullah on administrative and political matters, alongside organisational measures to improve communication. Their memorandum was addressed to party president Farooq Abdullah and the Chief Minister.
