Srinagar, Nov 6: National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Friday ruled out any possibility of a split in the party, acknowledging that grievances raised by a group of legislators were genuine and assuring that the leadership would address their concerns in a phased manner.
Speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS) after meeting around 16 party legislators, Abdullah said their concerns had been heard and that necessary steps would be taken 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.
The NC president said efforts would be made to strengthen both the party organisation and the government to ensure that public grievances were addressed effectively.
Rejecting reports of a possible rebellion within the ruling party, Abdullah asserted that the National Conference remained united despite differences raised by some legislators.
“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 growing speculation over internal differences within the National Conference following meetings of a group of legislators who had raised concerns over the functioning of the party and the government.
The legislators had sought an audience with the party leadership to discuss organisational and governance-related issues.
Abdullah also reiterated that the National Conference would continue its political and legal efforts for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and special constitutional 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.
The restoration of statehood and special status were among the key commitments made by the National Conference ahead of the 2024 Assembly elections.
In December 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the Centre’s August 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370 while directing that Assembly elections be conducted in Jammu and Kashmir and statehood restored at the earliest.
The National Conference-led government, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, assumed office in October 2024 following the Assembly elections. (KNS)
