Srinagar, Oct 28: Supporters of senior National Conference leader and Eidgah MLA Mubarak Gul staged a protest at Press Enclave in Srinagar on Wednesday, demanding his inclusion in the Council of Ministers and warning of intensified agitation after November 2 if their concerns remain unaddressed.
The protesters described Gul as an honest and dedicated leader who had stood by the National Conference during challenging political periods. They said his exclusion from the recently expanded Cabinet had disappointed people in Eidgah, who expected the party leadership to recognise his seniority and longstanding contribution.
Calling Gul the pride of their constituency, the supporters urged the party leadership to ensure justice for Eidgah. They recalled that Gul had remained loyal to the National Conference even during the political crisis of 1984, when Ghulam Mohammad Shah replaced Farooq Abdullah as Chief Minister.
The demonstration followed Tuesday’s Cabinet expansion by the Omar Abdullah-led government, in which four legislators were inducted as ministers. Gul, despite being a senior leader and a six-time MLA, was not included in the expanded Council of Ministers.
Similar demonstrations were also reported at the National Conference headquarters at Nawa-i-Subh Complex, where party workers raised slogans over Gul’s exclusion and questioned the decision to leave him out of the Cabinet. His supporters have reportedly given the party leadership until November 2 to respond to their demand.
Gul, who has represented Eidgah in six Assembly elections, has previously expressed disappointment over being left out of successive Cabinets. Following the latest expansion, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah appointed him general secretary of the party organisation.
However, the organisational appointment has failed to satisfy some supporters, who continue to demand a ministerial position for the senior legislator.
The demand has also raised questions about the scope for further changes in the government, as the expanded Council of Ministers has reached its maximum permissible strength of nine members, including the Chief Minister. Any additional induction would therefore require a change in the Cabinet’s existing composition.
