NC-Cong coalition in disarray, no coordination meeting held since govt formation in J&K

Jammu, Jan 17: The coalition between the National Conference (NC) and Congress in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) appears to be in disarray, as no coordination committee meetings have been held since the government was formed on October 16 last year.
Sources said the lack of communication between the coalition partners has led to increasing uncertainty, with Congress reiterating its decision not to join the government until J&K’s statehood is restored.
“Although we are coalition partners, our stand is clear: we will join the government only after statehood is restored,” Congress Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma told Rising Kashmir.
Currently, the J&K government comprises six ministers: five from NC and one independent MLA, Satish Sharma. As per constitutional provisions, the Union Territory’s 90-member Assembly can accommodate up to 9 ministers, leaving three positions vacant. These appointments are critical for maintaining constitutional decorum and ensuring ministers can respond to questions during the upcoming budget session.
“Our position remains unchanged. We believe that statehood should have been restored before the formation of the government,” Sharma said, adding that no formal coordination committee meetings have taken place with NC since the government was formed.
NC Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta also said there is uncertainty surrounding Congress’s participation in the government. “There is no clarity yet on Congress joining the government or on the appointment of three additional ministers to fulfill the constitutional requirements,” Gupta told Rising Kashmir.
He acknowledged that no formal talks have occurred between the two parties in the three months since the coalition government was established.
The lack of coordination between the NC and Congress has raised questions about the coalition’s long-term stability and the government’s preparedness to address key issues, particularly as the first budget session approaches.