SRINAGAR : Amid reports of internal rift and revolt-like situation within the ruling National Conference (NC) over the much-awaited cabinet expansion, Party President Dr. Farooq Abdullah has ordered the continuation of *Ali Mohd Sagar as General Secretary* of the National Conference.
*Mubarak Gul Refuses General Secretary Post:*
As per sources, earlier the post of General Secretary was offered to senior NC leader and MLA Eidgah *Mubarak Gul*, but he refused to accept the same expressing his displeasure over his non-inclusion in the cabinet expansion.
Sources said Mubarak Gul is unhappy over being ignored for a ministerial berth despite being one of the senior most leaders of the party and winning multiple times.
*15 MLAs Meet at MLA Lolab Residence:*
In a parallel development indicating growing dissent, *around 15 NC MLAs reportedly met at the residence of MLA Lolab, Qaiser Jamsheed Lone, in Humhama, Srinagar.* [In some messages being circulated as MLA Larmi, but confirmed location is Lolab MLA residence in Humhama].
According to sources, the legislators demanded the resignation / removal of *Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and Minister Javed Rana.*
The legislators, as per sources, are unhappy over the functioning of the top leadership and dominance of a few leaders in decision making, particularly regarding cabinet reshuffle.
The meeting is being viewed as a significant political development within the National Conference, as it comes just days after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had indicated a cabinet reshuffle.
*Farooq Abdullah Steps In To Control Damage:*
In order to control the damage and send a message of continuity, Dr. Farooq Abdullah has directed that Ali Mohd Sagar will continue as General Secretary. Sagar is considered a close confidante of the Abdullah family and a key organisational man.
No official statement has been issued by the National Conference so far on the reported meeting of MLAs or on the continuation of General Secretary.
The NC leadership is expected to hold one-to-one meetings with the disgruntled MLAs in the next couple of days to sort out differences.
_This is a developing story. JKatLive is tracking further developments._
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