Srinagar, Oct 28: Senior National Conference leader and Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo has dismissed reports of internal dissent within the ruling party following the recent Cabinet expansion, saying differences of opinion are normal in a family and should not be viewed as signs of disunity.

Reacting to reports of dissatisfaction among senior leaders, including Mubarak Gul and Abdul Majeed Larmi, over their exclusion from the expanded Council of Ministers, Itoo said the National Conference remains united and committed to its political objectives.

She maintained that party leaders and legislators continue to contribute to the organisation regardless of the positions or responsibilities assigned to them. She also emphasised that members have the democratic right to express their opinions and concerns, adding that such views should not automatically be interpreted as opposition to the party leadership.

Her remarks come after the Cabinet expansion on Tuesday, when Ali Mohammad Sagar, Shamima Firdous, Mir Saifullah and Altaf Ahmad Kaloo were inducted into the Omar Abdullah-led government.

The expansion reportedly left some senior party members disappointed. Supporters of Mubarak Gul staged protests at the National Conference headquarters in Srinagar following his exclusion, while Abdul Majeed Larmi publicly voiced his disappointment over not being considered for a ministerial position despite his seniority and longstanding association with the party.

Gul was subsequently appointed as the general secretary of the National Conference.

Addressing the issue, Itoo said holding a ministerial position was not the only way party leaders could serve the organisation or the public. She indicated that leaders could continue contributing through other responsibilities within the party.

Following the latest expansion, the Omar Abdullah-led Council of Ministers has reached its maximum permitted strength of nine members, including the Chief Minister.