Srinagar: A group of legislators of the ruling National Conference (NC), who are up in arms against the party leadership over Tuesday’s cabinet reshuffle-cum-expansion, have prepared a memorandum listing a set of demands, including fresh reshuffle, intensified efforts for the restoration of statehood and Article 370, and time-bound implementation of the party’s 2024 election manifesto.
Quoting sources, news agency KNO reported that the memorandum was drafted during a meeting of 18 NC legislators at the residence of Lolab MLA Qaiser Jamsheed Lone on Friday afternoon.
According to sources, the legislators have called for the time-bound implementation of the party’s election manifesto and sought an intensified political struggle for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and Article 370.
The memorandum also seeks the removal of the Adviser to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, and ministers who have completed two years in office. Besides, the legislators have demanded a comprehensive restructuring of the Cabinet.
The demands come amid continuing discontent within a section of the ruling party over the recent Cabinet reshuffle and expansion.
At a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Dachigam on June 3, several legislators had questioned the functioning of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and ministers Javid Rana and Satish Sharma. While Satish Sharma was dropped in the recent cabinet reshuffle, Javid Rana’s role was curtailed after several key portfolios were taken away from him. However, the deputy Chief minister retained the Roads & Buildings and Industries & Commerce departments.
Sources disclosed that the memorandum has been submitted to the party leadership. (KNO)
