This is the first meeting of the party’s highest decision-making body since the National Conference’s debacle in the Budgam by-election, which also widened the chasm between Ruhullah and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the vice president of the party.

Ruhullah, a senior member of the working committee, claimed on Thursday that he was not invited to the meeting.

“I was not invited even though I have been a permanent member of the working committee since 2002,” Ruhullah told The Indian Express. Asked why he may not have been invited, he said, “I want the party to stay true to its manifesto and poll promises. Why should it pinch anyone? By default, it means that they don’t want to fulfil the political promises and political agenda. The question is on them, not on me.”

Sources in the National Conference said the two-day meeting would deliberate on key political and organisational issues facing the party, especially after the Budgam bypoll results. “The Budgam bypolls and the rift within the party will definitely be discussed during the meeting. The Ruhullah factor is also going to come up for discussion,” a party source said, adding, “Some decisions on changes in party structure could be taken as well.”

Sources said that some of the party legislators are not happy with the functioning of the government, especially as the dual power structure is creating hurdles. “There is a growing unease among some legislators, and it is likely to come up for discussion,” the source said. “The government is also thinking about expanding the Cabinet and it may be discussed,” he said.

Speaking to reporters, National Conference MLA from Zadibal in Srinagar, Tanvir Sadiq, said that the party would discuss “prevailing issues” and that a formal statement would be issued at the end of the working committee meeting.