Jammu and Kashmir: Dissent grows within NC as two MPs question Omar Abdullah's leadership

Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is facing an unprecedented rebellion within his own party, with two National Conference (NC) MPs openly questioning his leadership and the functioning of his government.
The rare show of dissent — coming from two parliamentarians of his own party - Agha Ruhullah and - Mian Altaf Ahmad - has exposed widening cracks within the NC and placed Omar in one of his toughest political moments yet.

Firebrand MP Aga Ruhullah, known for his outspoken views, has accused the party leadership of hiding crucial information about cross-voting in the recent Rajya Sabha elections, calling it a “betrayal of public trust.”

“From his (Omar’s) statement, it is clear that he knows who did the cross-voting but is choosing not to reveal the names. This is not someone’s private shop where such matters can be hidden. This is public property — the trust of the people is at stake,” Ruhullah said.

The Srinagar MP, who has often voiced independent opinions, had already announced he would not campaign for the party in the upcoming Budgam Assembly bypolls. He said his decision was driven by his commitment to principles and disillusionment over the government’s failure to deliver on its promises.

Adding to Omar’s discomfort, senior NC leader and influential Gujjar leader Mian Altaf has also broken ranks, accusing the government of failing to address unemployment and neglecting the concerns of educated youth. “Lakhs of educated youth with multiple degrees are feeling helpless. Despite promises made during elections, no significant recruitment process has been started,” Altaf said.

In a rare public rebuke, he also disapproved of the chief minister’s recent remarks on the installation of smart electricity meters, saying Omar “should speak thoughtfully and with understanding.”

The twin attacks from within have come at a politically vulnerable time for Omar, whose government is already battling public criticism for lack of jobs, rising prices, and slow governance. The BJP-led Centre’s reluctance to restore J&K’s statehood has further curtailed his administrative authority, leaving him open to accusations of ineffectiveness.

Political analysts see the back-to-back statements from Ruhullah and Altaf as a serious warning sign.

“This is not routine dissent — it reflects a growing disconnect between Omar and key party constituencies,” Ahmad Ayaz, a political analyst in Srinagar told DH. “If this rebellion deepens, it could dent NC’s credibility and erode Omar’s authority both in government and within the party and both the MPs don’t want to be part of this blame as they have their own image in public as politicians and religious leaders.”