SRIANAGAR, Nov 06: Following a high-stakes Cabinet expansion by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, senior four-time legislator Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi) has emerged as the central anchor of a growing internal power block within the ruling Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC).
The political shift crystallised after the exclusion of Gurezi—who won the Gurez Assembly constituency for a fourth consecutive term—from the newly expanded Council of Ministers.
The decision left key regions including Chenab Valley and senior party heavyweights unrepresented, sparking widespread resentment across the party's rank and file.
Disgruntled NC MLAs include high-profile figures such as Mubarak Gul, Abdul Majid Bhat Larmi, Qaisar Jamshaid Lone.
The escalating crisis led to a crucial meeting at the Gupkar residence of NC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah , which was attended by top leadership, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and the bloc of disgruntled legislators, the closed-door dialogue sought to contain the deepening rift.
Notably, as the deliberations concluded, only party patriarch Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Nazir Gurezi spoke on behalf of the gathered leadership and the internal bloc, confirming Gurezi’s position as the primary voice and key negotiator for the aggrieved MLAs.
While the NC leadership has publicly described the consultations as routine internal family discussions to maintain party unity, the emergence of Anooyed MLAs bloc udner Gurezi's leadership marks a significant realignment of political leverage within the ruling alliance.
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