Internal Strife in National Conference: Crucial Meeting on Friday with Demands from 25 MLAs

Friday, November 6, 2026, is set to be a decisive day for the ruling National Conference (NC) of Jammu-Kashmir. According to internal party sources and a News18 report, approximately 17 to 25 disgruntled MLAs have prepared a 10-point memorandum to present their demands before the party's high command. This meeting will be a 'make-or-break' moment for maintaining party unity or leading towards a split.

According to an Amar Ujala report, this political storm began following the cabinet expansion on October 27. The organized protest by 24 MLAs has since become the biggest challenge for the party high command to date. Party President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah are likely to be present at the meeting to be held in Srinagar on Friday. Although official confirmation is awaited on whether both leaders will co-preside, sources believe they may appear together to send a message of unity within the party.

The venue for the meeting could be Farooq Abdullah's Gupkar residence or the Chief Minister's residence. Dissatisfied MLAs have already been instructed not to leave Srinagar until Friday. Following two weeks of secret negotiations and internal tension, this will be the first time both sides sit face-to-face for discussions. Previously, on Tuesday evening, a meeting of 12 dissatisfied MLAs was held at the residence of Gulmarg MLA Farooq Ahmed Shah, which lasted for over two hours. During this meeting, the strategy for Friday and the final decision on the memorandum were concluded.

A senior dissatisfied MLA stated, "All 12 of us MLAs have discussed the issues together. We are now waiting for the high command's call. We are ready for talks at any time." He clarified that they would not be satisfied with mere assurances. The MLAs demand that all matters mentioned in the memorandum be implemented in writing, along with a specific timeline. They will not back down until these demands are met.

On the other hand, the party leadership has also become active to bring the situation under control. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar are making efforts to establish contact with the dissatisfied MLAs. Political analysts believe the next 48 hours are critical. The crisis can only be resolved if the high command presents a concrete roadmap and timeline at Friday's meeting. Otherwise, the dissatisfied group may demonstrate their strength by holding a joint press conference.

The National Conference is a major political party of Jammu-Kashmir with a long history. Founded by Sheikh Abdullah, the party has played a significant role in the state's politics for decades. Party leaders have previously held the post of Chief Minister of the state and have always raised their voice on the issue of Jammu-Kashmir's autonomy. While the party has seen many political ups and downs in the past, this current rebellion by the MLAs is being viewed as a serious challenge for the party.