Srinagar: In a dramatic turn of events, National Conference (NC) leaders, including Deputy CM Surinder Chowdhary and advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, have reportedly met with disgruntled party leader Rahullah Mehdi, sources confirmed to KNT. The high-stakes meeting comes as NC gears up for the upcoming Budgam by-election, triggered by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s withdrawal from the seat.
Insiders reveal that NC is seriously considering Nasir Aslam Wani as its candidate for the coveted Budgam seat, with the party pushing hard to win Rahullah Mehdi’s backing. Mehdi, who has voiced dissatisfaction with NC leadership, holds the key to the party’s success in the by-election. NC leaders are said to be scrambling to secure his support, viewing it as a game-changer for their prospects.
In a move to pacify another contender, Aga Mahmood, who had shown interest in contesting the Budgam by-poll, NC is reportedly offering him a seat in the Rajya Sabha, seeking to avert any further unrest within the party ranks.
The meeting between NC’s top brass and Rahullah Mehdi not only aims to bring him back into the fold but also sends a strong message to the public that Mehdi’s recent criticism of the reservation policy should not be misconstrued as opposition to the party leadership.
This high-stakes political maneuvering signals NC’s determination to hold onto Budgam and secure its position in the face of intense internal and external pressures.
