Jammu and Kashmir Minister Sakina Itoo on Wednesday dismissed concerns over discontent within the National Conference (NC) leadership following a recent cabinet expansion. Describing the party as a “family,” Itoo stated that any differences of opinion are expressed internally and do not signify a deeper crisis or disunity within the organisation.
Speaking to the Kashmir News Service (KNS), Itoo acknowledged that some party leaders may express displeasure, but characterized these as normal occurrences within a democratic process. “The National Conference is our community. It is a family, and we live like a family,” she said, drawing a parallel to family members expressing grievances within the household.
The minister’s remarks come in the wake of a cabinet expansion that saw the induction of four new ministers into the Omar Abdullah-led government. This reshuffling reportedly led to dissatisfaction among some senior party leaders who were not given ministerial berths. Supporters of former Speaker Mubarak Gul, who was not included in the new cabinet, staged protests at the party headquarters in Srinagar.
Abdul Majeed Larmi also publicly expressed his disappointment at being overlooked for a ministerial position, citing his seniority and long-standing association with the party. Gul was subsequently appointed as the general secretary of the National Conference.
Itoo criticized the opposition for amplifying the issue, suggesting that they were attempting to exploit the situation due to a lack of other pressing matters. “If there is a cabinet reshuffle, they say people are angry. They have nothing else to talk about,” she remarked.
She reiterated that leaders expressing unhappiness remained loyal to the National Conference and that their concerns should be viewed as an internal party matter rather than a sign of breakdown in leadership. Itoo emphasized that holding a ministerial position is not the sole avenue for party members to contribute to the organisation or public service.
Sakina Itoo, who currently serves as the Cabinet Minister for Health and Medical Education, School and Higher Education, and Social Welfare, has a long political career. She first entered the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in 1996, becoming the youngest member at 26. Her father, Wali Mohammad Itoo, was a prominent National Conference leader and former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, who was assassinated by militants in the 1990s. Itoo herself has reportedly survived numerous assassination attempts throughout her political career. She represents the D.H. Pora constituency in Kulgam district.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
