NC rift deepens as another party MP targets Omar govt over unemployment, slow growth

Rift within the National Conference (NC) appears to be widening as senior leaders and Members of Parliament, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi and Mian Altaf, have publicly criticised the Omar Abdullah-led government in Jammu and Kashmir over unemployment and sluggish development. Their remarks have exposed growing unease within the party, which came to power last year with a comfortable majority.

Ruhullah Mehdi, who represents Srinagar in Parliament, has repeatedly voiced dissatisfaction with the NC government’s policies. He had earlier questioned the government’s handling of unemployment and reservation matters, and this time he took aim at what he described as the government’s failure to act on the promises made to voters.

Speaking at a conclave in Srinagar, Mian Altaf advised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to “speak responsibly and with understanding,” saying the government’s pace on political and administrative fronts remained slow. “There is a need to improve performance. If I say everything is fine, it would be a betrayal of Omar Abdullah,” he remarked.

Holding the Chief Minister accountable, Altaf said, “Responsibility lies with Omar Abdullah. He must assess what improvements can be made and review the performance of his team. People have given him a majority; he should hold discussions and take decisions on merit. I am his well-wisher, but he has to see if things are heading in the wrong direction.”

Expressing concern over rising unemployment, Altaf said the lack of job opportunities was one of the most pressing issues in Jammu and Kashmir. “All posts should have been referred to recruitment agencies within a week of assuming office. Thousands of posts remain vacant, and several departments are on the verge of collapse,” he said, adding that many eligible youth were crossing the upper age limit due to delays. He urged the government to ensure transparent recruitment and to announce a fixed schedule for advertising vacancies.

Echoing similar frustration, Ruhullah Mehdi said it was “unfortunate” that the ruling party had made no progress on the political front since assuming power. “If you didn’t want to fight, then why did you promise it while seeking votes? If you feel weak despite a strong mandate, then take others along. You have started doing what others did before the Assembly elections,” he said.

The influential Shia leader warned that the NC risked losing its connect with the people if it failed to act decisively. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir are not dependent on the NC, Congress or BJP. They will look for alternatives to fight for their existence. If any party believes that everything revolves around it, that is an illusion,” Mehdi said. “Had the government respected the people’s mandate, no one would have questioned it today.”

Asked if he would campaign for the party in the upcoming Budgam bypolls, Mehdi responded with scepticism. “My party should tell me what I should seek votes on. What have we done in the last one year regarding the people’s political aspirations? Let the party name even a single achievement — I will campaign on that,” he said.

He urged the leadership to show at least an intention to address core political and social issues. “The fight for the restoration of Article 370 may be a distant goal, but the government can still demonstrate seriousness by addressing the issue of reservation. That can be done at their own level,” he said.