Says legislators met over a meal, not to plot against party; CM had full authority to induct or drop ministers
Srinagar, Oct 31: Cabinet Minister Javed Ahmad Dar on Saturday dismissed reports of rebellion within the National Conference following a meeting of party legislators, but acknowledged that some MLAs might be unhappy over their exclusion from the recent cabinet reshuffle.
Speaking to reporters, Dar said legislators from Kashmir, Jammu and the Pir Panjal region had gathered at a colleague’s residence for a meal and discussed party affairs, but the meeting should not be interpreted as a revolt against the leadership.
“Some of our colleagues went to a fellow legislator’s residence for a meal. They ate together and discussed party matters. That does not mean they have become rebels,” Dar said.
He said none of the legislators who attended the gathering had publicly announced any decision to challenge the party leadership or break away from the National Conference.
“When they have made no such statement, how can it be concluded that they are rebelling? There is unnecessary speculation about what happened at the meeting,” he said.
Dar, however, admitted that the recent cabinet reshuffle could have left some legislators disappointed, particularly those who were dropped from the Council of Ministers or were expecting induction.
“It is natural that some colleagues who were dropped may feel upset. They may feel they should have been included. Such things happen in politics,” he said.
The minister maintained that the decision to induct or remove ministers rested entirely with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who had been authorised by the NC legislature party to exercise his discretion.
“The entire legislature party gave the Chief Minister the authority to decide whom to induct and whom to drop. He has exercised that authority,” Dar said.
He stressed that disappointment over ministerial appointments should not be confused with an intention to leave or split the party.
“Being upset is one thing, but leaving the party or breaking it is an entirely different matter. There is nothing to suggest that anyone is doing that,” he said.
Dar said every legislator had the right to approach NC President Farooq Abdullah or Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to raise grievances or discuss political and organisational matters.
“If they want to meet Farooq Sahib or Omar Sahib and place their concerns before them, it is their democratic right. There is no restriction on anyone,” he said.
Rejecting suggestions that the legislators had held a secret meeting, Dar said the party leadership was already aware of the gathering.
“We knew they were meeting. We had spoken to our colleagues earlier as well. There was nothing secret about it,” he said.
The minister also recalled an incident before the cabinet expansion when some legislators had visited his residence for tea, prompting speculation about a closed-door political meeting.
“Some colleagues were sitting at my home having tea, while the media outside began reporting that a secret meeting was taking place. Nothing of that sort was happening,” he said.
Dar said discussions among legislators were a normal part of political life and that the recent gathering had been unnecessarily linked to reports of a possible split in the National Conference.
He expressed confidence that the party would remain united despite differences over cabinet appointments.
“The party is strong and will become stronger,” he said.
