J&K politics takes a wild turn from Abdullah residence as Omar whisks MLAs, MPs to Dachigam National Park | Srinagar News
SRINAGAR: In a surprise move, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday took National Conference (NC) legislators and Members of Parliament to Dachigam National Park on the outskirts of Srinagar for a key party meeting after they had initially assembled at his Gupkar residence.Ministers, MLAs and MPs were seen boarding a tempo traveller for what was believed to be a trip to Chashma Shahi from at Omar’s residence. The unusual arrangements led to curiosity among some legislators. Before the convoy reached Dachigam, NC MLA from Bijbehara Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri posted on social media, “Crossed Shalimar for unknown destination!”Omar wrote on X that the venue change was not made at the last minute. “It was always my intention to conduct this meeting off-site and all arrangements have been made, days in advance, at the location originally chosen by me.” He also wrote, “We are off for an off-site to spend the day taking stock of the last 19 months – the good, the not so good & everything in between.”Dachigam National Park is 22 km from Srinagar. The park has been a protected area since 1910, first under the care of the Dogra Maharaja of J&K and later under the observation of J&K state government. In 1981 it was declared a National Park. The park is most famous the hangul or the Kashmir stag.On May 31, Omar had announced that he would convene a meeting of NC legislators on June 3. The meeting attracted political attention after his statement on May 6 at a college function in north Kashmir Tangmarg when he stated, “Trust me, I want to burst like a cloudburst.” He also had stated that he would speak openly on various issues after Eid.Peoples Conference chairman and Handwara legislator said, “So this is the bombshell threatened by CM sahib. Tourist to the core. A trip to the scenic and beautiful Dachigam. Dachigam is actually symbolic for today’s congregation. It is secluded, isolated, entry is restricted. That actually sums up state of the present government. Aloof, secluded, isolated and entry restricted.”“A little bird told me. The MLAs have been shifted into the Wild Life area of Dachigam. And an ultimatum will be served. They will be told, “ Fall in Line” or else stay back and provide company to inhabitants of the Zoo. But the inhabitants of the zoo are apparently aghast,” Lone wrote on X.Javid Baig, NC legislator from north Kashmir Baramulla constituency, before entering the CM’s Gupkar residence when asked whether the government will continue, told reporters that the government will not fall and NC will rule for next 25 years.According to sources, the meeting is expected to focus on concerns raised by legislators regarding governance, their role in decision-making and the party’s strategy for pursuing restoration of statehood with the Centre.The party sources said discussions are also likely on the long-pending appointment of the advocate General of Jammu and Kashmir, the contentious reservation policy and a possible expansion of the Council of Ministers.The Omar Abdullah-led government currently has six ministers, including the chief minister. Under the prescribed arrangements, Omar can induct three more ministers but has so far refrained from expanding the cabinet amid concerns over possible internal opposition.The meeting also assumes significance as sections of the Congress in J&K have expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of the coalition government and hinted at reconsidering their support.In the 90-member J&K Assembly, the NC has 41 seats, the BJP 30, the Congress six, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) four, independents seven, the CPI(M) one, the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) one and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) one. The NC and Congress contested the 2024 Assembly elections as part of a pre-poll alliance. With the support of five independents, the NC-led alliance commands a strength of 53 members in the House.Earlier the leader of opposition and BJP MLA Sunil Sharma said the chief minister will not resign over the statehood issue. “The NC is about to implode and it is possible June 3 will be their last meeting,” Sharma told reporters in Srinagar.
