Farooq Abdullah becomes active again as influence of veteran leaders grows in National Conference

The 89-year-old veteran of the ruling National Conference (NC) in Jammu-Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah, has become active again following a conflict that emerged between 17 MLAs of the party and the Abdullah family. Farooq Abdullah had almost distanced himself from party and government affairs managed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, but he has now resumed responsibility to manage the party and provide direction to the government's functioning.

According to a report by The Hindu, this internal strife began on 27 October with a cabinet reshuffle carried out by the Chief Minister. Following this reshuffle, at least three senior leaders of the party publicly expressed their resentment over not being included in the cabinet.

Following this sequence of events, the aggrieved MLAs held a meeting. It is noteworthy that no member of the Abdullah family was present at this meeting. After this meeting, the MLAs submitted a charter of demands to the party leadership.

The main demands of the MLAs include intensifying the struggle for the restoration of the statehood and special status of Jammu-Kashmir. Additionally, they have demanded the removal of the Chief Minister's advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani, from his post. Furthermore, a demand has been made to reassign the Roads and Buildings portfolio, which is currently held by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary.

Thus, the veteran leaders of the party's old guard have re-established their influence, forcing Farooq Abdullah to take command once again to check the influence of Omar Abdullah and bring stability to the party.