Around 25 NC legislators have sought a cabinet overhaul and the removal of Omar Abdullah’s political adviser, exposing growing discontent within the ruling party SRINAGAR: J&K CM Omar Abdullah faces a growing revolt within National Conference (NC), with around 25 legislators demanding replacement of all eight cabinet ministers, including the deputy CM, within 15 days and removal of his close aide and political adviser Nasir Aslam Wani.At a meeting at NC MLA Qaiser Jamshaid Lone’s home Friday evening, legislators passed a resolution seeking a cabinet overhaul and wider consultations within the party before portfolios are allocated.

Around 18 MLAs attended in person and seven joined online, according to a legislator who was present.

NC has 41 MLAs in 90-member assembly and runs a coalition govt with six Congress, six independent and one CPM legislator.“So far there is no next step.

The first step was a big step to bring democracy within the party,” the legislator said.

The resolution sought removal of all eight ministers and Wani for the “larger good of the party”.NC provincial president for Kashmir Showkat Mir confirmed the meeting but played down its significance, saying it was not directed against the party.

He said some senior legislators wanted an appointment with NC president Farooq Abdullah.

“Everyone wants to become a minister but the CM can appoint only eight in UT set up,” Mir said, adding that 24 legislators could be accommodated in the cabinet if statehood was restored.Omar, 56, and his father Farooq Abdullah are in New Delhi, where the CM celebrated his wedding with journalist Nidhi Razdan.

Sharing a photograph on social media, Omar wrote: “A new journey began yesterday.” On July 31, Supreme Court granted Omar a divorce after being informed that he and his estranged wife Payal Abdullah had settled their matrimonial dispute through mediation.The NC turmoil came as party MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi prepared to quit the party and surrender his Lok Sabha seat on Nov 3, accusing Omar and his ministers of betraying the party’s promises on restoration of Article 370 and protection of J&K’s rights.“The crown prince and his cabal treat J&K as an estate passed down through the family,” Mehdi wrote on X.

He accused NC of seeking votes on promises to restore Article 370 and release prisoners, only to abandon them after assuming office.Mehdi will address people at Budgam on Nov 3, the death anniversary of his father Aga Syed Mehdi, a Congress politician and prominent Shiite cleric assassinated in a terrorist attack on Nov 3, 2000.

Mehdi has been among Omar’s sharpest critics, accusing him of abandoning NC’s manifesto.Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines The MLAs’ meeting followed Omar’s cabinet expansion last week, triggering open dissent, protests and allegations of internal bias in NC after four ministers were inducted, taking the cabinet’s strength to nine, including the CM.

He dropped Satish Sharma, leaving only two ministers from Jammu region — deputy CM Surinder Choudhary and Javed Ahmed Rana.BJP has predicted a split in NC and collapse of Omar’s govt.

“I am telling you there is unrest against the party brass.

They are looking for an alternative.

Govt will not remain and the party will not remain,” leader of opposition Sunil Sharma said.

He described Omar as a “prince, who doesn’t want to listen to any legislator”.Get the latest India News and Live updates.

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