Meeting at Bathindi residence assumes significance amid recent dissent within ruling party
Jammu, November 10: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Tuesday met National Conference President and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah at his Bathindi residence in Jammu, in a politically significant interaction amid growing internal differences within the ruling party.
Describing the interaction as enriching, Choudhary said it was always inspiring to meet the respected party leader and benefit from his guidance and leadership.
The meeting assumes significance as it comes days after differences reportedly surfaced within the National Conference following the recent Cabinet expansion. A section of party legislators had expressed dissatisfaction over ministerial representation, portfolio allocation and the functioning of the government.
Notably, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary was also among the leaders reportedly facing criticism from the dissenting legislators, who had sought changes in ministerial portfolios, including the Roads and Buildings Department held by him.
The developments prompted intervention by the party’s top leadership, with Dr Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah holding discussions with the aggrieved legislators on November 6.
Farooq Abdullah had acknowledged that some concerns raised by the legislators were genuine while firmly dismissing speculation about a possible split within the party.
Choudhary had subsequently maintained that the grievances of the legislators had been addressed and called for an end to speculation surrounding internal differences.
Against this backdrop, Tuesday’s meeting between the Deputy Chief Minister and the National Conference president carries added political significance as the party leadership seeks to maintain unity and stability within the ruling establishment.
Although no specific agenda of the meeting was made public, Choudhary’s public acknowledgment of Farooq Abdullah’s leadership comes at a crucial time for the National Conference as it navigates internal political challenges in Jammu and Kashmir.
