17 NC MLAs issue 15-day ultimatum to address ‘coterie culture’, other issues in party

17 NC MLAs issue 15‑day ultimatum to address ‘coterie culture’, other issues in party A four‑hour emergency session convened in Srinagar on Friday by 17 members of the National Conference (NC) underscored a growing rift within the party. Three days after party vice‑president and Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced an expansion of the state Cabinet, a significant number of senior leaders felt sidelined, sparking a formal protest demanding an end to what they describe as a “coterie culture”. The meeting, attended by a cross‑section of the party’s parliamentary wing, was the first of its kind since the 2022 elections..

The convenors, led by senior legislator Khalid Javed, outlined 15 specific grievances, ranging from uneven distribution of ministerial portfolios to alleged political patronage. “We are not a faction of a few; we are a party of millions,” Javed told reporters, emphasising that the ultimatum was meant as a constructive dialogue, not a threat to party unity. He cited the recent Cabinet reshuffle, where six new ministers were inducted, as evidence of an elitist selection process..

In the minutes of the meeting, Javed accused the party’s upper echelons of favouring a narrow group of insiders who have been granted continuous appointments. “The ‘coterie culture’ is a direct result of this practice,” he said, noting that such exclusivity undermines the party’s democratic ethos. He also raised concerns about the lack of transparent mechanisms for intra‑party appointments, which he said could be remedied through the establishment of an independent selection panel..

The 15‑day ultimatum set by the legislators is not a call for a split, but rather a deadline for party leadership to implement a series of reforms. Among these is the creation of a “merit‑based” recruitment policy for ministerial roles, the introduction of rotation schedules for key portfolios, and the establishment of an internal audit committee to oversee allocation of party resources. The group also demands a public forum where grievances can be aired and addressed, which they argue would restore public confidence in the NC’s governance..

Omar Abdullah’s Cabinet expansion, which saw the addition of 12 new ministers, was initially welcomed by many as a sign of inclusivity. However, critics argue that the appointments were heavily skewed toward a handful of loyalists from the party’s central committee. “We saw an increase in representation, but it was limited to a select circle,” said Javed, who has held a ministerial portfolio since 2014..

He added that the reshuffle “was a political maneuver rather than a substantive development for the party’s democracy.” The NC leadership’s response to the ultimatum was cautious. In a brief statement released after the meeting, party president Farooq Mohammad Shah emphasized the importance of “unity in diversity” and pledged to review the concerns raised. He noted that the party’s constitution already contains provisions for internal democracy but that the “implementation gaps” need to be addressed..

“We are committed to ensuring fair representation across all regions and factions within the party,” Shah said. Rina Khan of the Jammu & Kashmir Institute of Politics commented that the ultimatum could have a dual impact. “On one hand, it pressures the leadership to enact reforms; on the other, it risks deepening factional divides if not handled sensitively,” she said..

She added that the 15‑day timeline is ambitious given the party’s internal hierarchies, but that it could serve as a catalyst for broader systemic change. The meeting was held in a neutral venue to avoid any perception of bias, with both sides agreeing to a mediation process involving a neutral facilitator from the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Council. The facilitator’s role will include ensuring that the 15‑day deadline is met and that the reforms are implemented transparently..

“We do not wish to see the party fragment,” Javed reiterated, acknowledging the potential fallout if the issue remains unresolved. Observers note that this episode comes amid increasing scrutiny of the NC’s governance style by opposition parties. The Congress and the Jammu and Kashmir United Front have criticised the party for alleged nepotism and a lack of accountability..

They have called for similar reforms in the state’s administration, citing public discontent over rising unemployment and infrastructure deficits. In the days following the meeting, several NC MPs announced plans to hold a “town‑hall” style discussion with party workers across the state. The objective is to gather grassroots feedback on the 15‑day ultimatum and to gauge public sentiment..

“Our constituents deserve transparency,” said Javed, who is seen as a bridge between the party’s central leadership and its base. The NC’s internal mechanisms for conflict resolution were also brought up in the meeting. The legislators highlighted the need for a formal grievance redressal committee that can operate independently of the party’s executive..

“We want a clear, written procedure for handling complaints, free from political interference,” Javed explained. He stressed that such a body would strengthen the party’s democratic image and curb allegations of favoritism. The 15‑day deadline will likely culminate in a high‑profile meeting between the party’s senior leadership and the 17 MLAs..

If the party succeeds in meeting the demands, it could set a precedent for intra‑party democracy across India’s regional parties. Critics, however, warn that a superficial compliance might simply placate the dissenters without bringing about real change. As the state’s political landscape remains fluid, the NC’s next steps will be closely monitored by both supporters and detractors..

The party’s ability to navigate these internal.