Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Oct 31
Eighteen legislators of the ruling National Conference have called for a Cabinet restructuring, greater ministerial accountability and organisational reforms in a memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, signalling growing discontent within the party.
The 10-point memorandum, dated October 30, also seeks the replacement of the chief minister’s political adviser, a renewed campaign for restoration of statehood and a mechanism to monitor implementation of the party’s election manifesto.
The legislators said the gap between public expectations and the government’s performance, along with alleged governance failures and inadequate consultation with elected representatives, required urgent corrective measures.
They said their proposals were intended to strengthen the government and the party rather than undermine either.
The legislators have called for an assessment of ministers’ performance after two years in office and replacement of those found to be underperforming.
They have specifically sought the withdrawal of the Roads and Buildings Department from Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary.
The memorandum also refers to allegations of misconduct and large-scale corruption involving the deputy chief minister and calls for an independent investigation.
It says any complaints should be examined impartially and accountability fixed wherever wrongdoing is established.
The legislators have also sought implementation of assurances and resolutions emerging from an earlier meeting of party legislators and ministers at Dachigam.
The memorandum calls for ending the existing arrangement involving Chief Minister’s Adviser Nasir Aslam Wani and appointing a replacement.
The legislators said the current advisory mechanism had contributed to a disconnect between the government, party leadership and elected representatives.
They have proposed a review of the adviser’s role to improve coordination and accountability.
The legislators have sought the establishment of a high-level committee, with adequate representation of elected members, to monitor implementation of the NC’s election manifesto.
The proposed panel would assess progress, identify administrative bottlenecks and ensure that electoral promises are fulfilled within specified timelines.
They have also proposed a consultative group of three to four experienced MLAs to advise the chief minister on government policies, welfare schemes and development priorities.
The memorandum calls for a coordinated political campaign for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s full statehood and protection of its constitutional identity.
It proposes public meetings, rallies, seminars and other democratic activities, as well as taking the demand to Parliament.
The document refers to constitutional identity but does not expressly mention Article 370 in the relevant demand.
The legislators have proposed a high-powered disciplinary committee to examine complaints and enforce accountability among ministers, MLAs and party functionaries.
They have also sought a professionally managed media and communication cell to publicise government initiatives and counter opposition criticism.
Other proposals include a dedicated election cell to prepare the party for future polls and regular meetings of the State Working Committee at least once every two months.
The proposed meetings would review government performance, manifesto commitments and organisational issues.
The memorandum follows the October 27 Cabinet expansion, which inducted Ali Mohammad Sagar, Mir Saifullah, Shamim Firdous and Altaf Ahmad Wani. Independent MLA Satish Sharma was dropped.
Several senior legislators were reportedly dissatisfied with the changes. At least 11 NC MLAs were reported to have stayed away from the swearing-in ceremony.
On October 30, 17 NC legislators and an Independent MLA met at the residence of Qaiser Jamsheed Lone in Srinagar to discuss their concerns.
The subsequent memorandum sets out demands extending beyond ministerial representation to governance, accountability and organisational restructuring.
NC general secretary Salman Ali Sagar on Friday played down reports of a party crisis, describing the legislators’ gathering as a routine internal meeting.
He acknowledged that party members could raise grievances and said the leadership was open to hearing their concerns.
Sagar said the leadership would examine the issues and consider corrective measures wherever necessary.
The party had not publicly confirmed receipt of the memorandum, according to the original report.
In their submission, the legislators said the completion of two years of the government provided an opportunity for introspection and course correction.
They urged Omar Abdullah to consider their proposals and take steps to improve governance, strengthen internal consultation and fulfil electoral commitments.
