NATIONAL Conference leader Farooq Abdullah is not the only one to pass on the mantle to his son, Omar Abdullah. Perhaps inspired by their chief, the rest of his partymen are following suit, keeping it all in the family. How else do you explain the fact that at least six children of NC stalwarts are set to contest the coming Assembly elections.
•Both Rajinder Handoo and Sajjad Kitchloo entered politics by default. They were elected to their seats following the deaths of their fathers, former state law minister Pairay Lal Handoo and former social welfare minister B.A Kitchloo. Having managed a place in the party’s policy-making working committee, they are both expected to stake claim to Cabinet portfolios if the NC returns to power. According to party sources, Handoo and Kitchloo may even get ministerial berths for a month or two before the Farooq government finishes its tenure in October.
•Sajad Shafi, son of party stalwart and education minister Mohammad Shafi, is set to make a grand entry into the party in the coming polls. He may even secure a ticket from his father’s traditional seat in Uri, if the senior Shafi sticks to his promise to hand over the reins to the younger generation. A doctor by profession, Sajad is now actively involved in the Youth National Conference. Another point in his favour: he is the son-in-law of senior NC leader and state finance minister Abdul Rahim Rather.
•Irfan Mohi-ud-din, son of housing and urban development minister Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Shah, is expected to replace his ailing father as the party candidate from Batamaloo constituency. With his father not being able to move around much because of a nagging knee problem, Irfan, according to party sources, will have a smooth ride into the cabinet if the party returns to power.
•If so, he could take a point or two from Khalid Najib Suharwardy, son of the illustrious Attuallah Suharwardy, a long time ally of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. Over a year back, Khalid, although a first-time legislator, bagged the pivotal junior home minister’s post. According to sources, Abdullah inducted him into the cabinet despite opposition from senior MLAs who had set their sights on the chair.
•If sons can, so can daughters. Sakina Itoo, daughter of former assembly speaker Wali Mohammad Itoo, is the only woman in the Farooq cabinet. Sakina, who was studying medicine in a Bihar college, left her studies midway and entered the political arena after her father was killed by militants in Jammu in the mid-90s. Today, she has come a long way — from a shy village girl to a mature politician. The two cabinet reshuffles since 1996 saw her emerge stronger: from junior social welfare minister to her present independent charge as state tourism minister. Party sources say she is likely to be retained in the Cabinet if the NC repeats its 1996 victory.
•Also waiting in the wings is Salman Sagar, the son of another state minister Ali Mohammad Sagar. However, Salman’s entry into the state’s political battlefield may be postponed to the next elections as his father is still young and energetic. In fact, Ali Sagar is among Farooq’s most mobile ministers, even venturing into militant-infested areas and surviving attacks on a number of occasions.
•His father may not have been in the National Conference but that does not stop Rouh-ul-Ilah Mehdi, son of Shia leader Agha Syed Mehdi, from seeking a place in the NC. Although Mehdi was a Congress leader, the Agha family have traditionally been NC supporters. In fact, since Farooq himself invited Rouh-ul-Ilah to join the party, indications are that Mehdi Junior will be given an NC ticket for the coming polls.
Will the induction of the scions create problems or generation gaps in the party? ‘‘Not at all,’’ claims Ghulam Nabi Shaheen, the influential provincial president of the National Conference who is in charge of maintaining discipline among the party’s rank and file. ‘‘If the elders think the younger generation can rise to the occassion and serve people well, they must have good reasons. No one is rebelling at infusing young blood into the party,’’ he adds.
‘‘If there was no protest at the coronation of Omar Abdullah, why should it be any different for others’ sons,’’ says another senior minister. ‘‘Omar, if he becomes chief minister, would be more comfortable with younger people filled with fresh ideas,’’ he adds. But not all agree. ‘‘The NC is such a large party that at one time or another, those waiting in the queue (for a ticket), will revolt openly against this family business,’’ warns a legislator.
MUFTI ISLAH, Srinagar: HECTIC preparations are on for the formal coronation of Union Minister of State for External Affairs Omar Abdullah as the next president of the ruling National Conference in the coming week. Story continues below this ad Despite the present disturbed situation, the NC is expected to repeat the grand show it staged during Sheikh Abdullah’s lifetime in 1981, when the party’s reins were passed on to Farooq. That ceremony, which was held in Iqbal Park, was preceded by a huge procession in the city which was decorated with red (party) flags and festoons. This time, the venue is not being disclosed, presumably for security reasons. This will be the first time in 12 years that the party will be holding a delegates session here. Since the outbreak of militancy in 1989, the party has been only holding indoor party meetings of its various units, including the working committee and the general council. No plenary session was held during this period although some important decisions were taken by the ruling party — like the one regarding revival of the demand for greater autonomy. National Conference general secretary Sheikh Nazir Ahmed is overseeing the arrangements. Incidentally, Sheikh Nazir was also involved in the arrangements for Farooq’s coronation ceremony, for which the NC prepared for nearly six months. The party has mobilised its cadre and feverish preparations are on to ready the publicity material. Judging by the scale of arrangement, the expenditure could run up to Rs 50 lakh, according to party sources. Sheikh Nazir as well as provincial president Ghulam Nabi Shaheen have cancelled all public rallies and party meetings. Several committees have been formed to streamline the operations. The ruling party has formed a reception committee which has been entrusted the job of creating pandals and welcoming the delegates. A separate committee has been set up for the catering. Painters and artists have been hired for designing banners and festoons.Plans are being made to hire hotels. Story continues below this ad According to party sources, three resolutions will be passed in the one-day plenary session. Restoration of greater autonomy to the state will form the crux of the political resolution. |