In eye of National Conference storm, CM Omar Abdullah’s confidant: Who is Nasir Aslam Wani

As the National Conference (NC) faces internal strife amidst the Cabinet expansion, one common demand among 18 dissident legislators remains consistent: the removal of Nasir Aslam Wani as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s advisor. The lawmakers resent Wani's close proximity to the CM and his perceived "overarching influence" over decision-making.

While they insist on his dismissal, it would be a challenging decision for the CM. By yielding to their demand, Omar might appear to be giving in to party pressure, potentially setting a precedent that could empower dissidents and weaken his authority. Wani's ascent within the NC has been a source of contention, with many seeing him as an "unelected party leader" thrust upon them due to his role as the CM's confidant.

Appointed as Omar's advisor since October 2024, Wani's role has been met with resentment among NC leaders and legislators, particularly because the 2019 reorganization of J&K limited Cabinet strength to nine members, leaving several aspirants feeling overlooked. Wani hails from Sogam village in Kupwara district, where his grandfather, G N Wani, had twice represented the Lolab Assembly segment in the late 1960s and held ministerial positions in the past.

Wani entered politics with the NC's youth wing in 1998, later contesting the 2008 Assembly elections from Srinagar's Amirakadal constituency, where he defeated the PDP's Parvez Bhat. He was first appointed to the NC Cabinet in 2009 and served as Minister of State in various portfolios before assuming the role of Minister of State for Home in 2011.

Despite the NC's electoral defeat in 2014, Wani was given additional organizational responsibilities, including becoming the NC's provincial president for Kashmir, a position he held until his appointment as the CM's advisor. His electoral loss from Amirakadal in 2024, which he lost to his PDP rival by over 10,000 votes, did little to diminish Omar's confidence in him.

The CM appointed Wani as his advisor, despite opposition from some NC leaders who attributed his defeat to factionalism within the party in Kupwara.