National Conference Dismisses BJP Claims, Terms Dachigam Meet Routine Exercise
Srinagar, June 3, KNT: Top leaders of the ruling National Conference, including legislators and Rajya Sabha members, gathered at Dachigam on the outskirts of Srinagar on Wednesday for a day-long meeting that the party described as a routine review exercise, even as opposition leaders sought to attach political significance to the event.
The meeting attracted attention following repeated claims by BJP leaders regarding internal developments within the ruling party and the stability of the government.
Participants first assembled at the Chief Minister’s Rabita House before proceeding to the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. From there, they traveled together to the meeting venue at Dachigam.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a National Conference legislator dismissed speculation surrounding the gathering and said the meeting had been unnecessarily politicized.
“It is a routine meeting and there is no need to give it so much hype,” the legislator said, sarcastically criticizing Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma for what he termed ignorance and for “making a mountain out of a molehill.”
According to the legislator, discussions during the meeting were expected to focus on governance, public issues, workers’ grievances and organizational matters.
He maintained that the gathering had become a center of attraction only because of what he described as unnecessary hype generated by the BJP.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also sought to downplay speculation, stating that the off-site meeting had been planned well in advance.
“It was always my intention to conduct this meeting off-site and all arrangements had been made days in advance at the location originally chosen by me,” Omar wrote.
The Chief Minister said the participants would spend the day reviewing the last 19 months, including achievements, shortcomings and areas requiring attention.
“We are off for an off-site to spend the day taking stock of the last 19 months — the good, the not so good and everything in between,” he said.
Notably, National Conference Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah was not part of the meeting. His absence is likely to draw attention given recent political discussions within the party and the wider political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. [KNT]
© Kashmir News Trust (KNT). Unauthorized use without attribution is prohibited.
