National Conference plans MLA Advisory Councils to deal with internal dissent

Farooq Abdullah. File | Photo credit: PTI

In order to solve the internal dissent in the party, the ruling chairman of the National Conference (NC) Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday (November 10, 2026) to address party legislators and offer them seats in advisory councils that will work with ministers.

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The NC chairman confirmed to The Hindu on condition of anonymity that Mr. Abdullah, who chaired a meeting of 17 dissident legislators on November 6, had decided to set up the councils. The NC has 42 legislators in the 90-member assembly, while Omar Abdullah’s government is also supported by four independent MLAs.

In letters to legislators, Dr. Abdullah described the proposed councils as “a bridge between the party and the government”. Party sources said the mandate of these advisory councils would be to hold “regular meetings with ministers on policy decisions and review the functioning of ministries”.

The move appears to be aimed at addressing concerns within the party that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is surrounded by only a small group of individuals. It will also give lawmakers who could not be inducted into the cabinet on October 27 a role in the government’s decision-making process. MLAs will be able to choose the ministers they intend to work with and cannot be members of more than two advisory councils, party sources said.

Another NC leader, who also did not wish to be named, said the letters were yet to be sent to all legislators. “Not all MLAs have been informed about the composition of the councils. However, we expect it soon,” the leader said.

A major political upheaval

The party witnessed a major political shake-up after the cabinet expansion when about 17 legislators met in a separate session and subsequently drafted a 10-point charter of demands. She called for the time-limited implementation of the electoral program and the intensification of the struggle for the restoration of statehood and special status.

Discontent was evident when recently appointed minister Mir Saifullah, in his maiden speech in Kupwara on Monday, reiterated the party’s commitment to fight for the restoration of the pre-1953 position, Article 370 and statehood.

In addition, the dissident lawmakers also demanded the establishment of a high-powered disciplinary commission, immediate organizational reforms, the establishment of a polling cell and regular meetings of the party’s State Working Committee.

“Sustained action must be taken by the top leadership to correct the course within the party. We welcome the first step. However, many demands remain outstanding,” another party leader said.

Dr. Abdullah, during a recent meeting with lawmakers, promised a step-by-step approach to address their concerns.

Published – 10 Nov 2026 22:38 IST