A minister in Omar Abdullah's cabinet has called for the resignation of a Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Member of Parliament (MP) following the MP's decision to plan and stage a protest. The call for resignation highlights a growing internal conflict within the National Conference (NC), the ruling party in Jammu and Kashmir.

The controversy stems from recent amendments to the reservation policy in J&K, specifically concerning the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category and the inclusion of Paharis in the Scheduled Tribe list. These amendments have led to a reduction in the open merit share to approximately 40%, sparking discontent among various ethnic groups, including Kashmiris and Dogras, who believe the policy disproportionately affects the majority population.

Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, the NC MP from Srinagar, announced his intention to stage a sit-in protest outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's residence to voice his concerns and demand that the government address the matter. Mehdi feels that the current reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir is against the general category. According to him, even though the general category makes up 69% of the population, their share in reservation has been reduced to 30%.

In response to the planned protest, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the concerns surrounding the reservation policy and stated that the issue had been taken up with the Centre and challenged in court. He also emphasized the democratic right to peaceful protest. Abdullah noted that a Cabinet sub-committee had been formed to engage with stakeholders and that the government is ensuring everyone is heard to arrive at a fair decision.

Despite Abdullah's assurances, tensions remain high, leading to the minister's call for Mehdi's resignation. This demand underscores the widening rift within the NC and reflects the pressures the party faces in balancing competing interests and managing public sentiment regarding the reservation policy.

The situation is further complicated by the involvement of other political figures and organizations. Waheed ur Rehman Para and Iltija Mufti from the opposition PDP also attended the protest led by Mehdi. The Open Merit Students Association J&K, advocating for the amendment's reversal, has also demanded immediate action.

The controversy surrounding the reservation policy and the ensuing protests have put the Omar Abdullah government in a difficult position. The government must address the concerns of various communities while also navigating legal challenges and maintaining stability within the ruling coalition. The call for the MP's resignation highlights the intensity of the debate and the challenges the government faces in finding a resolution that satisfies all stakeholders.