JKNC Minister Dismisses Discontent Over Cabinet Expansion

Jammu and Kashmir minister Javed Rana stated that the National Conference remains solid and dismissed rumors of internal discord following a recent cabinet expansion. He asserted that if Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi decides to leave the party and resign from his Lok Sabha seat on November 3, he will do so entirely by himself without affecting the organization.

Rana acknowledged that some friction exists simply because many legislators aspire to ministerial positions despite restricted available slots. He expressed optimism that statehood will be restored soon, allowing for additional cabinet appointments, and maintained that celebrations across the region indicate no signs of real discontent.

Meanwhile, sources reported that over a dozen party legislators gathered to seek the resignation of the entire council of ministers and the chief minister's advisor, pushing for a newly formed cabinet based on consensus. However, JKNC Kashmir president Showkat Ahmad Mir described the concerns as part of the party's internal democratic process, while blaming the BJP for exaggerating the situation.