SRINAGAR: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday dismissed speculation about a possible split within the party, describing reports of an internal rebellion as baseless and assuring that the concerns raised by around 16 legislators would be addressed by the leadership.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the legislators, Abdullah said the party leadership had listened carefully to their grievances and acknowledged that the issues raised by them were genuine.
“We have spoken to them. Their problems were genuine and they were heard properly. We will take some steps quickly and some steps slowly,” he said.
Abdullah said the party would take necessary measures to strengthen both the organisation and the government to ensure that public grievances were addressed effectively.
Rejecting speculation about divisions within the ruling party, he asserted that the National Conference remained united and that attempts to create a split would not succeed.
“The news that a split is taking place in the National Conference is completely baseless. This community is organised, and those who think they can break it should remember that it has never been broken and never will be,” he said.
The meeting assumes significance amid reports of growing discontent among a section of NC legislators over the functioning of the party organisation and the government. Around 16 MLAs had reportedly sought an interaction with the party leadership, triggering speculation about internal differences.
Reiterating the party’s political commitments, Abdullah said the National Conference would continue its struggle for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and special status.
“Our fight for the restoration of statehood will continue. Our fight for Article 370 and Article 35A will also continue, and, God willing, we will take the matter to the Supreme Court,” he said.
Restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and statehood had featured prominently in the National Conference’s 2024 Assembly election manifesto.
The Supreme Court, in December 2023, upheld the Centre’s August 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370 while directing that Assembly elections be conducted in Jammu and Kashmir and statehood be restored at the earliest.
The NC-led government, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, assumed office in October 2024 after the party emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly elections.
