Seniority, Performance Key in NC’s Cabinet Induction
THE DIPLOMAT DESK
Srinagar, Oct 13 (TDD) The National Conference (NC) leadership is considering a plan to prioritize seniority and past performance when selecting members for its cabinet. The focus is on choosing experienced leaders from Pir Panchal, Jammu, and the Chenab region.
With several names being speculated, NC aims to finalize the criteria based on leaders’ contributions over the last decade. Political analysts note that the six Pir Panchal seats, where people voted against the BJP, played a crucial role in NC’s success. If BJP had won these seats, it could have claimed a stronger position in the region.
Among the top contenders for a cabinet position is Javed Ahmed Rana, a four-time legislator and former Deputy Chairman of the J&K Legislative Council. Sources say he is the senior-most NC leader from Jammu province and represents the Gujjar & Bakerwal community, who were instrumental in NC’s recent victories in Poonch and Rajouri. Rana’s continued support for the party, especially after the abrogation of Article 370, makes him a strong candidate for the cabinet.
In addition to Rana, other names under consideration include Arjun Singh Raju from Ramban, Satish Sharma from Chambh, and Surinder Choudhary from Nowshera. NC is reportedly looking to ensure balanced representation from Gujjar, Jammu, Chenab, and Pir Panchal communities in the cabinet.(TDD)