Political Turmoil in J&K: 8 NC MLAs Poised to Defect, Opposition Slams Wafq Bill and Statehood Failures

 

Srinagar, April 15, 2025 –

A seismic shift is brewing in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape as sources reveal to ANN News that eight National Conference (NC) MLAs are on the brink of abandoning the party to join a nascent political outfit. The reported defections come amid mounting discontent over the controversial Wafq Bill and unfulfilled promises on statehood restoration, exposing deep fissures within the NC and igniting a fierce political firestorm.

 

 

 

Insiders disclose that the disgruntled MLAs have held clandestine meetings with senior leaders in Srinagar, while one legislator reportedly sought counsel from political figures in Jammu. The defections, if confirmed, could deal a crippling blow to the NC’s dominance and reshape the J&k’s political dynamics. Political analysts warn that the exodus could trigger a domino effect, further destabilizing an already volatile political environment.

 

 

 

“This is a rebellion born of betrayal,” said a senior opposition leader, speaking to ANN News on condition of anonymity. “The NC’s mishandling of the Wafq Bill and its hollow promises on statehood have pushed even its loyalists to the edge. The people of J&K deserve better than empty rhetoric.”

 

 

Opposition parties have pounced on the NC’s vulnerabilities, accusing the party of governance failures and internal mismanagement. The Wafq Bill, criticized for its perceived overreach, and the NC’s ambiguous stance on statehood have become lightning rods for dissent. “The NC is crumbling under the weight of its own contradictions,” declared a prominent opposition figure. “They’ve alienated their base and failed to deliver on the aspirations of the people. This is just the beginning of their unraveling.”

 

 

 

 

The opposition’s narrative paints the NC as a party out of touch with the region’s pressing issues, from governance to cultural sensitivities. “The Wafq Bill is a divisive distraction, and the statehood issue has been reduced to a political gimmick,” the opposition leader added. “The MLAs’ rebellion is a wake-up call for the NC, but it may be too late.”

 

 

 

 

 

The National Conference, however, has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as a desperate ploy by rivals to sow discord. “This is pure fiction concocted by a frustrated opposition,” a senior NC leader told ANN News. “Our party is united, and our MLAs are committed to serving the people of J&K. These rumors are a cheap tactic to destabilize us, but we will not be shaken.”

 

 

 

The NC has accused opposition parties of exploiting sensitive issues like the Wafq Bill to score political points. “We are working tirelessly to address the concerns of our people, including the restoration of statehood,” the leader asserted. “The opposition has no vision, only venom.”

 

 

 

The reported defections come at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with complex socio-political challenges. The Wafq Bill, intended to regulate religious endowments, has sparked widespread debate, with critics arguing it infringes on community autonomy. Meanwhile, the NC’s repeated assurances on statehood restoration have yet to materialize, fueling disillusionment among voters and party members alike.

 

 

 

“This is a pivotal moment for J&K,” said political analyst Dr. Noor Ahmad. “If these MLAs defect, it could trigger a realignment of political forces in the region. The NC’s credibility is on the line, and the opposition smells blood. The coming weeks will be critical.”

As speculation swirls, all eyes are on the eight MLAs and their next move. Will they follow through on their alleged plans to join a new political outfit, or will the NC manage to quell the rebellion?

 

 

For now, the NC remains defiant, the opposition relentless, and the people of J&K caught in the crossfire of a high-stakes political drama. ANN News will continue to monitor this unfolding saga, bringing you the latest updates as events unfold.

“The NC’s days of taking the people for granted are numbered. This is a revolt against broken promises.” – Opposition Leader

 

“We are stronger than ever. The opposition’s lies will not break our resolve.” – NC Spokesperson