Sakina Itoo rules out rebellion in NC amid cabinet expansion resentment

SRINAGAR — Senior National Conference leader and Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo on Wednesday dismissed the possibility of dissent or rebellion within the ruling party following the recent Cabinet expansion, saying the organisation remained united despite differences of opinion among its members.

Responding to questions about reported resentment among senior leaders, including Mubarak Gul and Abdul Majeed Larmi, over their exclusion from the expanded Council of Ministers, Itoo said differences should not be mistaken for divisions within the party.

She maintained that the National Conference remained united and that its leaders and legislators continued to work for the organisation regardless of the responsibilities assigned to them.

Itoo said party members had every democratic right to express their views and grievances, adding that such expressions should not necessarily be interpreted as protests against the leadership.

Her remarks come amid reports of dissatisfaction among some senior National Conference legislators following Tuesday’s Cabinet expansion, which saw Ali Mohammad Sagar, Shamima Firdous, Mir Saifullah and Altaf Ahmad Kaloo inducted into the Omar Abdullah-led government.

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Mubarak Gul’s exclusion prompted protests by his supporters at the National Conference headquarters in Srinagar, while Abdul Majeed Larmi publicly expressed disappointment over not being considered for a ministerial berth despite his seniority and long association with the party.

Gul was subsequently appointed general secretary of the National Conference.

Seeking to downplay the controversy, Itoo said ministerial positions were not the only way party leaders could serve the organisation and the public, suggesting that they could continue contributing in other capacities.

The Cabinet expansion has brought the Omar Abdullah-led Council of Ministers to its maximum permissible strength of nine members, including the chief minister.