KT NEWS SERVICE SRINAGAR, June 11 : Senior National Conference (NC) leader Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Shah's death today removed the only symbol of Sheikh Abdullah dynasty in the legislative forum.
After the 2002 assembly polls, because of his ill-health it was being widely expected that he may be spared from the responsibility of leading NC in the state assembly where it is having 25 MLAs.
It is obvious that the Abdullah dynasty was not willing to concede this key position to any "outsider".
For the same reason another aging member of the dynasty Sheikh Nazir Ahmad is being retained as NC general secretary with considerable authority inspite of the fact that there was strong demand for his replacement in the wake of the party's stunning electoral defeat in 2002.
Mohi-ud-Din Shah was allowed to retain the post of leader of NC legislature party and by virtue of that also the position of leader of opposition in the assembly with ministerial rank and privileges despite the fact that his deteriorating health did not permit him to fulfill the obligation of the responsibility on the floor of the house.
Compelled by the circumstances the Abdullah dynasty will have to now alleviate some one from outside the dynasty fold to step into Mohi-ud-Din Shah's shoes.
Going by the past experience, "loyalty" is going to play a decisive part in choosing the successor.
There are indications that former finance minister Abdul Rahim Rather may succeed Mohi-ud-Din Shah.
However, Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari is said to be preparing to take the plunge and persuade his "friend" Dr Farooq Abdullah to crown him with this coveted position.
Technically the legislature party leader is supposed to be elected by the party MLAs.
But as it is common practice in almost every party the leader of legislature party is selected by the party bosses- in this case the Abdullah family.
