NC Leader Outlines Formation of Advisory Groups to Address Party Rebellion

National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah has written a formal letter to all party MLAs, asking them to start the process of forming ministerial-level "advisory groups." The move is the first structural change towards implementing the agreement between the party leadership and the rebel group of MLAs. The official move is aimed at quelling the internal rebellion within the ruling party that erupted after the October 27 cabinet expansion. The letter, sent by the party president, outlines how ordinary MLAs and disgruntled MLAs will be given a direct say in state affairs. According to the proposal, a special advisory group will be attached to every cabinet minister. To avoid excessive centralisation of political power, it has been decided that any MLA will be a member of a maximum of two advisory groups. The MLAs have been asked to select three ministers of their choice in order of preference. The purpose of these groups is to "bridge governance," and also to "consult their constituents" on matters of governance.