25 NC MLAs Threaten to Withdraw Support from Omar Abdullah Government, Issue 14-Day Ultimatum

Jammu and Kashmir's Omar Abdullah-led government is facing a significant political challenge from within the National Conference (NC), with 25 disgruntled party MLAs reportedly issuing a 14-day ultimatum to the leadership. The legislators have warned they will approach Raj Bhavan to formally withdraw their legislative support if their demands are not met, a move that could trigger a major rebellion and pressure the Abdullah leadership, according to reports from News18 India and India Today.

The rebel MLAs are demanding a comprehensive overhaul of the government. Their key demands include the removal of all existing ministers from their portfolios and the immediate dismissal of the Chief Minister’s Advisor. They seek the formation of an entirely new council of ministers through a transparent and merit-based process, and insist that the entire legislature party be consulted before any ministerial appointments are made, rather than allowing a select group to decide.

Beyond administrative changes, the dissident faction has raised concerns about the party’s ideological stance and election manifesto. They are pushing for the government to advocate more strongly for the restoration of Article 370, Article 35A, and other related constitutional safeguards. The MLAs oppose what they perceive as compromises on these critical issues and want the government to firmly take up these demands with the BJP-led central government.

This reported revolt coincides with another challenge for the National Conference: Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi's announced resignation. Ruhullah stated he would formally quit both the National Conference and his Lok Sabha seat on November 3, accusing the party leadership of deviating from its ideological commitments and failing to uphold its mandate, specifically criticizing what he sees as a retreat from challenging constitutional changes introduced on August 5, 2019. The combined pressure from 25 dissenting MLAs and Ruhullah's departure places the NC leadership under scrutiny on two fronts.

The potential withdrawal of support from 25 legislators raises questions about the government's stability in the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. The National Conference holds 41 MLAs in the House; if 25 members coordinate their withdrawal, the party's backing for the government would be substantially reduced, potentially eliminating its operational majority. This scenario could make it difficult for the Omar Abdullah-led administration to continue, even with support from independent legislators and external allies. The immediate task for the Abdullah leadership is to contain the dissent, address the legislators' demands, and prevent a split within the party’s legislative ranks, with the 14-day ultimatum and Ruhullah's November 3 resignation making the coming days crucial.

Editor's note: The draft accurately incorporates all key details, including the 25-legislator ultimatum, specific demands, and the contextual challenge posed by Aga Ruhullah Mehdi's resignation.