No breakaway group in NC: Gurezi

Srinagar, Nov 6: National Conference legislator Nazir Ahmad Gurezi on Friday rejected speculation about the emergence of a breakaway group within the ruling party, saying legislators who had recently met among themselves had only sought to raise their concerns before the party leadership.
Speaking to reporters after meeting National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah along with other party legislators at the Gupkar residence, Gurezi said the leadership had assured them that their grievances would be addressed, with some matters to be resolved immediately and others in a phased manner.
“We are legislators of the National Conference. Whenever we have issues, we take them to our party leadership. A few days ago, we sat together at one place, but social media portrayed it as if a separate party had emerged from the National Conference. There was no such group,” Gurezi said.
He said the legislators had placed their concerns directly before Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah during the meeting.
“There were certain issues which we brought before the honourable Chief Minister and Farooq Sahib. They have assured us that whether these are political issues or other matters, some will be addressed immediately while others will be resolved gradually,” he said.
The remarks come amid speculation over differences within the National Conference following the recent cabinet expansion, which had triggered discontent among a section of party legislators.
The legislators had earlier held consultations among themselves, prompting speculation about the emergence of a separate faction within the party.
Gurezi, however, maintained that the meetings were intended to discuss concerns and seek their resolution through the party’s established leadership rather than challenge its authority.
He said the latest interaction had provided an opportunity for the legislators to present their grievances directly to the leadership and receive assurances on their resolution.
The meeting assumes significance against the backdrop of recent political developments within the National Conference, with the leadership seeking to address concerns raised by its legislators.
Gurezi’s statement indicated that the legislators would continue to pursue their demands within the party, while awaiting action on the assurances given by Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah. (KNS)