Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Oct 31
Senior National Conference (NC) leader and Eidgah MLA Mubarik Gul Saturday said he will disclose details of developments within the party at a news conference on November 4, amid uncertainty over his appointment as general secretary.
Gul’s announcement came a day after NC president Farooq Abdullah issued a fresh order asking senior leader and Cabinet minister Ali Mohammad Sagar to continue as party general secretary until further orders.
“I have maintained silence so far. I will reveal everything about what is happening inside the NC on November 4,” Gul told reporters on Friday.
The dispute began on October 27, when Farooq Abdullah appointed Gul to the organisational post after Sagar joined Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s expanded Cabinet.
Gul, a six-time legislator, was formally announced as Sagar’s replacement and assumed charge at the party headquarters in Srinagar in the presence of senior leaders.
However, on October 30, the party issued another order retaining Sagar as general secretary until further orders.
The developments have unfolded amid discontent within the ruling party following the recent Cabinet expansion, which left several senior legislators out of the government.
Gul was among those who expressed disappointment over his exclusion. His supporters had gathered at the party headquarters after the Cabinet announcement, demanding recognition for the veteran legislator.
On October 30, 17 NC legislators and an Independent MLA met at the Srinagar residence of Lolab legislator Qaiser Jamsheed Lone to discuss concerns over the Cabinet reshuffle, governance and the functioning of the party organisation.
Gul attended the meeting, which was followed by the submission of a 10-point memorandum by 18 legislators to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The legislators sought changes in the Cabinet, greater consultation in government decisions and reforms in the party organisation.
Gul’s proposed news conference is expected to bring further attention to the internal differences within the ruling party.
