Srinagar, August 30: Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar has dismissed speculation of a cabinet reshuffle and internal differences within the ruling National Conference, saying the party remains united and its leaders stand firmly behind Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
“There is nothing like that. No one is upset. All our leaders are strong and the whole team is behind the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The decision will be taken by the leader,” Dar said on Sunday while speaking to reporters during his visit to Rafiabad in Baramulla.
Responding to reports suggesting a possible expansion of the council of ministers, Dar urged the media and political circles to avoid speculation.
“Our media should not believe in speculation. Fanaticism is very wrong. There is a lot of fanaticism in our Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The minister also highlighted what he described as the National Conference’s organisational discipline and loyalty among its leaders and workers. Recalling developments in 2012, when several ministers were asked to focus on party affairs, Dar said most of them continued to remain associated with the party.
“Except for a few from Jammu who left, the rest are still working for the party. National Conference is a premium political party. It is made up of discipline. Every person has their own role,” he said.
Dar also rejected claims by opposition parties and others that the Omar Abdullah-led government was unlikely to complete its tenure.
“Some people said the government will last for three months—it has been two years now. Some said ten days—here we are in 2026,” he said.
Asked about remarks made by NC MP Ruhullah Mehdi, Dar sought to downplay reports of differences, describing him as “my brother.”
“We have gone together, sat together. He has his own point of view. When we meet, we will talk about it,” Dar said.
Reiterating that there was no internal crisis within the party, the minister urged people and political observers not to give credence to unverified claims.
“People put their own stories—sometimes 10, sometimes 20, sometimes 30. There is nothing like that. I don’t want to talk about it. The party is intact,” he said.
