National Conference MLAs suggest 10 corrective measures to CM Omar Abdullah for accountability within the party

A group of 18 ruling National Conference MLAs have forwarded a ten point memorundum addressed to the chief minister Omar Abdullah seeking urgent corrective measures, accountability and removal of Nasir Aslam Wani, who is the current advisor to the CM.

The memorundum was prepared in a meeting of disgruntled NC MLAs on October 30, following a controversial reshuffle and expansion of the council of ministers by Abdullah after completion of two years of the government. They have demanded that deputy chief minister Surinder Choudhary should be divested from Public Works ministry portfolio. Even though the senior NC leadership has reached out to these MLAs but their focus is to ensure some steps are taken by the chief minister and party president Farooq Abdullah.

"We have been increasingly concerned over the growing disconnect between the expectations of our people and the functioning of the government, instances of alleged misgovernance, lack of accountability and the absence of adequate consultation with elected representatives on important policy and political matters," read the memorundum.


They said that despite the completion of two years of government, there has been no meaningful institutional consultation or comprehensive review with legislators regarding the implementation of our election manifesto, therefore a high-level manifesto implementation committee should be constituted to monitor progress, identify bottlenecks and ensure time-bound implementation of all electoral commitments. They said that the strugle for restoration of statehood and special status should be intensified. "The party must actively mobilise public opinion and provide visible leadership on these historic commitments," read the memorundum.

They said that the performance of all ministers must be objectively reviewed and non-performing ministers should be replaced with a fresh and capable team, as deemed appropriate by the leadership. "The serious concerns regarding his(Surinder Choudhary) alleged misconduct and allegations of large-scale corruption require an independent and impartial examination, followed by appropriate action wherever wrongdoing is established," read the document.

They said that functioning and role of the advisor to the chief minister must be reviewed and the present arrangement be discontinued and a suitable replacement appointed to ensure better coordination, consultation and accountability.

They have said that a consultative advisory group comprising three to four experienced MLAs should be constituted to facilitate regular consultation with the chief minister on government programmes, policy decisions, implementation of welfare schemes, developmental priorities and other matters concerning public welfare.

They suggested a high-powered disciplinary committee should be constituted to ensure accountability and discipline among Ministers, MLAs and other party functionaries.

They have also proposed a professionally managed and adequately empowered media and communication cell and a dedicated party election cell to prepare for future electoral challenges, assess political developments and strengthen the party's electoral preparedness.

"Our intention is not to weaken the government or the organisation and we firmly believe that the party cannot afford to ignore the growing concerns of its elected representatives and grassroots workers," they said.