Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Nov 6 (KINS): National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Friday ruled out the possibility of a split within the party, acknowledging that grievances raised by a section of legislators were genuine and assuring that their concerns would be addressed in a phased manner.
Speaking after a meeting with around 16 party legislators at his Gupkar residence, Farooq said the leadership had listened to their concerns and would take steps to resolve them.
“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.
He said the party would work towards strengthening both its organisational structure and the government to ensure effective governance and better redressal of public grievances.
Rejecting speculation about a possible rebellion, he asserted that the National Conference remained united and there was no question of a party split.
“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.
His remarks came amid speculation over internal differences following meetings among a section of NC legislators who had expressed dissatisfaction over certain organisational and governance-related issues, particularly in the wake of the recent cabinet expansion.
Meanwhile, NC legislator Nazir Ahmad Gurezi also dismissed reports of a breakaway faction, saying the legislators had only gathered to discuss their concerns and take them up with the party leadership.
Speaking after the meeting with Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Gurezi said the leadership had assured them that their grievances would be addressed, with some issues being resolved immediately and others in a phased manner.
“We are legislators of the National Conference. Whenever we have issues, we take them to our party leadership. A few days ago, we sat together at one place, but social media portrayed it as if a separate party had emerged from the National Conference. There was no such group,” he said.
He added that the legislators had directly conveyed their political and other concerns to the party president and the Chief Minister.
“There were certain issues which we brought before the honourable Chief Minister and Farooq Sahib. They have assured us that whether these are political issues or other matters, some will be addressed immediately while others will be resolved gradually,” Gurezi said.(KINS)
