CM Omar offers to step down in tense meeting with its legislators
NC leadership proposes greater role for MLAs
STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 07 (STC): Even as Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reportedly offered to step down during a tense meeting with party MLAs here today, the National Conference leadership sought one year to consider a cabinet reshuffle. It also proposed associating four legislators with each minister through departmental consultative groups.
According to a report quoting a prominent National Conference legislator who attended the meeting, disclosed that the meeting witnessed tense moments when Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed frustration over the pressure he was facing.
“Omar Sahib stood up and tried to leave the meeting. He said he was under pressure and was prepared to resign. He even said that any other legislator could be made Chief Minister,” the MLA said, as per the report.
The legislator said the remarks prompted those present to reassure Omar that they were not seeking a change in leadership.
“We made it clear that we were not against him. Our concerns were about certain issues that needed to be addressed, not about replacing the Chief Minister,” the MLA said.
Report further states that the discussions with party president Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah centred on grievances raised by legislators and the need for greater coordination between ministers and elected representatives.
“The party leadership has sought one year for a cabinet reshuffle. It was also proposed that a consultative group comprising four MLAs would be associated with each minister in the respective departments,” the legislator said, requesting anonymity.
The MLA said the proposed arrangement was aimed at ensuring that legislators remained involved in departmental consultations and had a direct channel to raise issues concerning their constituencies.
According to the legislator, the meeting also discussed the appointment of an additional advisor to the Chief Minister from the Jammu region.
“The proposal for one more advisor from Jammu was discussed during the meeting,” the MLA said, adding that no appointment had been finalised.
(Straight Talk Communications)
