25 NC MLAs Give 14-Day Ultimatum To Omar Abdullah — Threaten To Approach LG & Withdraw Support If Demands Not Met

SRINAGAR: Twenty-five National Conference MLAs issued a 14-day ultimatum to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, threatening to withdraw support and approach the Lieutenant Governor if demands went unmet. Dissidents called for restoration of Article 370 and 35A, a cabinet reshuffle, and removal of CM adviser Nasir Aslam Wani. NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi's reported resignation deepened the internal crisis.

What Resolution Says:

Given leadership 14 (some reports say 15) days to address grievances, warning they could approach Raj Bhavan and withdraw legislative support if unfulfilled.

Demands include removing existing ministers from portfolios, appointing new Council through transparent merit-based process, removing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s adviser Nasir Aslam Wani for larger good of party.

 Also want intensified political campaign for restoration of Article 370, Article 35A, statehood, implementation of 2024 manifesto — accuse leadership of abandoning promises after assuming office, concentration of decision-making within Abdullah family, inadequate internal consultation.

Numbers Game:NC has 41 MLAs (42 won in 2024, one vacancy) in 90-member assembly, majority mark 46. Runs coalition with 6 Congress, 6 Independent, 1 CPI(M) — total 54. If 25 withdraw, backing falls to 16-17 + allies = 23-29, below majority, would raise questions. BJP second largest with 29.

Party Response: Provincial president for Kashmir Showkat Mir confirmed meeting but played down significance, said not directed against party, some senior legislators wanted appointment with NC president Farooq Abdullah. MLA Hilal Akbar Lone termed rebellion news false, said general meeting misrepresented. “Everyone wants to become minister but CM can appoint only 8 in UT setup,” Mir said. As of Nov 2 no publicly confirmed formal withdrawal or acceptance.

Ruhullah Factor:Srinagar MP announced resignation Nov 3, will address people at Budgam on father’s death anniversary (prominent Shiite cleric assassinated Nov 3, 2000). Tweet: “crown prince and his cabal treat J&K as estate passed down through family.” Has questioned Farooq Abdullah remarks “those who believed Article 370 could be restored should go and bring it back.” Clarified: “My fight is neither for any position nor for political chair.” Rules out horse-trading.

Next 14 Days Crucial: Omar (56) and father Farooq in New Delhi where CM celebrated wedding with journalist Nidhi Razdan (after divorce July 31 settled via mediation with Payal Abdullah). Farooq to meet dissidents expected. If demands not met, march to Raj Bhavan formal announcement.