SRINAGAR: Senior National Conference leader and MLA Eidgah Mubarak Gul on Wednesday postponed his scheduled press conference, amid continuing uncertainty over his position in the party following the recent Cabinet expansion and changes concerning the post of General Secretary.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Gul thanked people from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir for visiting his residence and expressing support and solidarity with him.
He said people from Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Baramulla, Kupwara, Anantnag, Pulwama and several areas of Srinagar had extended their support and conveyed their sympathies.
Gul also acknowledged the coverage provided by print and electronic media, saying people had stood by him for the past 55 years and that he valued their sentiments.
However, he declined to answer questions about the recent developments and said he would not make any statement on Wednesday, announcing the postponement of his press conference.
The veteran leader’s decision comes against the backdrop of discontent following the recent expansion of the Omar Abdullah-led Council of Ministers, in which several senior National Conference legislators, including Gul, were not inducted.
Gul had earlier expressed disappointment over being left out of the Cabinet despite his long association with the party and political experience.
On October 27, NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah appointed Gul as the party’s General Secretary after Ali Mohammad Sagar joined the Cabinet. However, a subsequent party order issued on October 30 directed Sagar to continue as General Secretary until further orders, leaving Gul’s organisational position unclear.
Gul had earlier announced that he would address the developments within the party and disclose his position at the November 4 press conference. Its postponement has left his next course of action uncertain.
The developments have unfolded amid wider discontent within the National Conference over the distribution of ministerial positions following the Cabinet reshuffle, with several senior legislators and party workers reportedly expressing resentment.
