National Conference Takes Steps to Address Legislator Discontent in Jammu and Kashmir

In Jammu and Kashmir, the party leadership has initiated steps to address the discontent within the ruling National Conference after the recent cabinet expansion and to give legislators more say in the functioning of the government. Party president Dr. Farooq Abdullah has asked legislators to name three ministers of their choice in order of preference. It has also been decided to set up informal advisory groups of legislators with each minister. This is being seen as an important step towards better coordination between the party and the government and to address the grievances of the aggrieved legislators. However, National Conference spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said he was not aware of Farooq Abdullah writing letters. The situation of discontent in the National Conference had come to the fore after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expanded the cabinet on 27 October. Four new ministers were inducted. Several senior legislators were said to be upset over not getting a place in the cabinet and not giving enough importance to seniority and experience. Subsequently, around 18 MLAs held separate meetings to discuss their grievances and grievances.