National Conference leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary and advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, have held a meeting with disgruntled party leader Rahullah Mehdi, sources confirmed to the news agency Kashmir News Trust.
The meeting comes amid ongoing discussions within the party over the upcoming Budgam by-election, following the vacancy created by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s withdrawal from the segment. Omar had previously won from both Ganderbal and Budgam.
Reliable sources revealed that NC is considering fielding Nasir Aslam Wani as its candidate for the Budgam seat, with the party seeking support from Rahullah Mehdi, who has expressed discontent with the leadership. NC leaders are reportedly keen on securing Mehdi’s backing, believing it is crucial for the party’s chances in the by-poll.
To appease another contender, Aga Mahmood, who had shown interest in contesting the Budgam by-poll on the NC ticket, the party has reportedly promised to offer him a seat in the Rajya Sabha.
Sources added that the meeting between the two top NC leaders and Rahullah Mehdi was not only an attempt to garner his support but also to publicly signal that Rahullah remains aligned with the party, despite recent controversies.
Several NC leaders had openly criticized Rahullah Mehdi following his protest against the reservation policy outside the Chief Minister’s residence.
Sources also noted that the meeting was partly aimed at sending a clear message to the public that Rahullah Mehdi’s stance against the current reservation policy should not be misinterpreted as an issue with NC leadership. [KNT]
