No dissent within NC, differences of opinion natural in family: Sakeena

Srinagar, Oct 28: Senior National Conference leader and Cabinet Minister Sakeena Itoo Wednesday ruled out any dissent or rebellion within the ruling party following the recent Cabinet expansion, maintaining that the National Conference is like a family where members may have different opinions but remain united.
Responding to questions about reported resentment among senior party leaders, including Mubarak Gul and Abdul Majeed Larmi, over their exclusion from the expanded Council of Ministers, Sakeena Itoo sought to downplay the controversy, saying differences of opinion should not be mistaken for divisions within the party.
She maintained that the National Conference remains united and that its leaders and legislators continue to work for the party irrespective of the responsibilities assigned to them
Itoo said party members have 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 as ministers in the Omar Abdullah-led government
Senior leader 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 put the controversy to rest, Sakeena Itoo maintained that ministerial positions are not the only opportunities available to party leaders, who can continue serving the organisation and the public in different capacities.
The Cabinet expansion has brought the Omar Abdullah-led Council of Ministers to its maximum permissible strength of nine, including the Chief Minister. [KNT]