17 NC MLAs Issue 15-Day Ultimatum to Leadership Amid Cabinet Expansion Discontent

According to a report by The Hindu, at least 17 legislators from the ruling National Conference (NC) in Jammu and Kashmir held a four-hour meeting in Srinagar on Friday (October 30, 2026). During the meeting, they issued a 15-day ultimatum to party president Farooq Abdullah and vice-president Omar Abdullah to address internal concerns, including unilateral decisions and a coterie culture.

Meeting Details and Attendees

• Date and Time: Friday, October 30, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Location: Residence of NC legislator Qaiser Jamsheed Lone in Friends Colony, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
• Key Attendees: Senior NC leaders including Mubarak Gul, Nazir Gurezi, Abdul Majeed Larmi, and Independent legislator Muzaffar Iqbal Khan.

Core Grievances Raised

• Cabinet Expansion Friction: The internal dissent followed a cabinet expansion three days prior that increased ministers from six to nine, leaving several legislators dissatisfied over their exclusion and portfolio distributions.
• Coterie Culture: Legislators alleged that a "kitchen cabinet" and coterie culture dominate the party, bypassing formal or informal consultations with elected members.
• Specific Allegations: Participants criticized advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and MP Shami Oberoi for insulating the leadership, and raised concerns regarding portfolio allocations and past performance.

Additional Developments

• Party Split Denied: Attendees ruled out any attempt to split the party at present.
• Resignation Announcement: Separately, NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah announced plans to quit the party and resign from Parliament on November 3, criticizing the leadership over manifesto promises.
• Leadership Response: In a statement issued on Friday evening, NC president Farooq Abdullah announced that Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar would continue to function as general secretary.

Readers can verify the original announcement through official party statements and coverage by verified news organizations reporting on Jammu and Kashmir politics.