Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is facing mounting internal dissent within the ruling National Conference (NC), with 25 party legislators reportedly backing a move demanding a complete Cabinet overhaul and changes to the government’s leadership structure. According to reports, 16 MLAs have signed a resolution giving the party leadership 14 days to address their grievances, while nine others have reportedly extended their support.
The legislators have threatened to withdraw their support if their demands are not met. Adding to the political pressure, Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has announced that he will resign from both the National Conference and his Lok Sabha seat on November 3, accusing the party leadership of failing to honour its electoral promises concerning the restoration of Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights.
25 MLAs Issue Ultimatum
The internal crisis within the National Conference intensified after a group of disgruntled legislators reportedly submitted a resolution demanding significant changes in the Omar Abdullah-led government. According to an India Today report published on November 2, 25 MLAs are aligned with the dissenting group, although only 16 have formally signed the resolution, while nine others have reportedly supported the move.
The legislators have reportedly given the party leadership 14 days to address their concerns, warning that they could approach Raj Bhavan and withdraw their legislative support if their demands remain unfulfilled. Their demands include removing the existing ministers from their portfolios, appointing a new Council of Ministers through a transparent and merit-based process, and removing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s adviser, Nasir Aslam Wani.
The group has also reportedly raised concerns about internal democracy, regional representation and the concentration of decision-making powers within a small section of the party leadership. The legislators want elected representatives to have a greater say in government appointments and policy decisions.
Cabinet Expansion Triggers Anger
The immediate trigger for the reported rebellion was the Cabinet expansion carried out by Omar Abdullah on October 27, 2026. Four legislators were inducted into the Council of Ministers: Ali Mohammad Sagar, Mir Saifullah, Shamima Firdous and Altaf Ahmad Kaloo, popularly known as Altaf Kaloo. Independent MLA Satish Sharma was dropped from the Cabinet.
The reshuffle reportedly angered several senior legislators who felt overlooked despite their experience and contributions to the party. Some members questioned the process through which ministerial positions were allocated, alleging that decisions were being taken without sufficient consultation with elected representatives.
According to The New Indian Express, the dissenting legislators also want the removal of certain existing ministers and Chief Minister’s adviser Nasir Aslam Wani. The report additionally names Shammi Oberoi among those whose removal has been sought.
The Cabinet expansion brought the Council of Ministers to its maximum permissible strength of nine, including the Chief Minister. This means that any further appointments would require changes to the existing ministerial team rather than an expansion of its size.
Grievances Beyond Cabinet Posts
The legislators’ reported grievances extend beyond ministerial appointments. They have also questioned the party’s functioning and its approach towards promises made during the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.
According to reports, some dissenting MLAs believe the leadership has failed to adequately consult elected representatives on important political and administrative decisions. They have reportedly demanded a clearer roadmap for implementing the party’s manifesto, particularly on issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional status and political rights.
The New Indian Express also reported that some legislators were dissatisfied with the Chief Minister’s alleged failure to act on assurances given during a meeting at Dachigam on June 3. The reported grievances suggest that resentment had been building within the party before the latest Cabinet reshuffle.
NC Leadership Denies Rift
The National Conference leadership has attempted to play down reports of a rebellion, describing the legislators’ gathering as an informal meeting rather than an organised challenge to Omar Abdullah.
Showkat Ahmad Mir, the party’s Kashmir Provincial President, reportedly described the gathering as a friendly meeting held ahead of the Secretariat’s annual shift to Jammu. He maintained that differences of opinion were normal within a democratic organisation and did not indicate a split.
Party president Farooq Abdullah and the National Conference leadership have also asserted that the party remains united and committed to protecting Jammu and Kashmir’s rights and identity.
However, the reported 14-day ultimatum has raised questions about the party’s internal cohesion. As of November 2, there has been no publicly confirmed formal withdrawal of legislative support or announcement that the Chief Minister has accepted the dissenting legislators’ demands.
Aga Ruhullah Announces Exit
Adding another dimension to the political crisis, Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has announced that he will resign from both the National Conference and his Lok Sabha seat on November 3, 2026.
Ruhullah has accused the party leadership of failing to honour its electoral commitments, particularly its promises concerning the restoration of Article 370, the release of prisoners and the protection of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights.
In his criticism of the party, the MP argued that the National Conference sought public support during the 2024 elections by promising to fight for these issues but had failed to demonstrate sufficient commitment after forming the government.
His announcement marks a significant political development because he intends to surrender his parliamentary membership alongside his party affiliation. However, as of November 2, his resignation remains an announced future decision and his Lok Sabha seat has not been formally declared vacant.
Article 370 Disagreement
Ruhullah’s decision follows a prolonged disagreement with the National Conference leadership over its political direction after the 2024 Assembly elections.
During the election campaign, the party had promised to pursue the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and constitutional protections. However, after assuming office, Omar Abdullah acknowledged the political and constitutional challenges involved in reversing the Centre’s August 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370 and reorganise the former state into two Union Territories.
The Chief Minister has repeatedly maintained that the restoration of statehood is an immediate priority, while the restoration of Article 370 would require a broader political and constitutional process.
Ruhullah, who has consistently advocated the restoration of Article 370, has criticised what he considers a departure from the party’s electoral commitments. His planned resignation reflects a growing ideological disagreement within the National Conference over how aggressively the party should pursue the promises made to voters.
Government Faces Test
The developments present a significant political challenge for Omar Abdullah, whose government is now facing questions about its internal unity and ability to maintain the confidence of its legislators.
The National Conference won 42 seats in the 2024 Assembly elections, emerging as the single-largest party in the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Following the subsequent Budgam by-election, its present strength stands at 41 MLAs.
If the reported group of 25 legislators formally withdraws its support, it could create a serious challenge for the government. However, an internal disagreement or an ultimatum does not automatically bring down an elected government. The actual impact would depend on a formal withdrawal of support and the government’s ability to demonstrate its legislative majority.
The crisis also raises broader questions about the National Conference’s ability to balance regional representation, internal democracy, governance priorities and its ideological commitments on Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional status.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Political disagreements are an essential part of democracy, but they must be resolved through transparency, accountability and meaningful dialogue rather than threats of instability or internal power struggles. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have legitimate expectations from the representatives they elect, particularly regarding constitutional rights, employment, development and political representation.
Whether the disagreement concerns Cabinet appointments or promises surrounding Article 370, political leaders must remain answerable to the public and ensure that electoral commitments are not reduced to campaign rhetoric. At a time when public trust in democratic institutions is crucial, can the National Conference resolve its internal differences through dialogue while keeping the aspirations and welfare of Jammu and Kashmir’s people above political interests?
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