J&K Political Crisis: 25 NC Lawmakers Issue Ultimatum to Omar Abdullah
A major rebellion hits Omar Abdullah's government as 25 NC MLAs threaten to withdraw support over cabinet and policy demands.
A major political storm has erupted within the Omar Abdullah-led government in Jammu and Kashmir, as a significant faction of the National Conference (NC) has openly rebelled against the party leadership. In a move that threatens the stability of the current administration, 25 NC legislators have issued a 15-day ultimatum, warning that they will withdraw their support at the Raj Bhavan if their specific demands are not met.
The Rebellion Begins: Demands for Cabinet Overhaul
The unrest came to light following a strategic meeting held at the residence of MLA Kaiser Jamshed Lone. The dissident lawmakers are pushing for a drastic shake-up of the existing power structure within the government. Their primary demands include:
- Ministerial Exit: The immediate removal of all ministers who have already completed a two-year tenure.
- Portfolio Shift: The removal of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary from the 'Roads and Buildings' portfolio.
- Advisor Oustings: The dismissal of the Chief Minister's advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani, along with other appointed advisors.
Demands for Transparency and Ideological Rigor
Beyond the reshuffling of personnel, the rebel MLAs are calling for a fundamental shift in how the government operates. They are demanding mandatory consultations with all MLAs before key government decisions are made to ensure greater transparency.
The group has also urged the leadership to take a more aggressive approach toward several core political promises, including:
- The immediate restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.
- The implementation of election pledges regarding the restoration of Article 370 and 35A.
- The release of political detainees.
High-Profile Exit: MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi Resigns
Adding fuel to the fire is the decision of Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi to distance himself from the party. Mehdi has announced his resignation from both the National Conference and his Lok Sabha seat, effective November 3, 2026. He cited the government's failure to uphold its electoral commitments and claimed that the party's core ideology had been compromised.
The Government's Response: A Race to Stabilize
With the National Conference holding 41 seats in the 90-member legislative assembly, the rebellion of 25 lawmakers creates a precarious situation for Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The party leadership is now in damage-control mode, engaging in active talks with the disgruntled legislators to prevent a government collapse.
Reports suggest that the NC leadership has offered a compromise, proposing a potential cabinet reshuffle in 18 months to bring in new faces. Additionally, the party has expressed a willingness to appoint two more advisors to provide further support to the Chief Minister.