Omar Abdullah Govt Clarifies Nasir Aslam Wani’s Appointment Amid Political Row

Srinagar, Oct 2 : The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister’s Office has issued a clarification over the appointment of senior National Conference leader Nasir Aslam Wani as Advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, following reports of procedural lapses and lack of formal approval.Dismissing the media claims as “misleading,” the CM’s Office said Wani’s appointment had been made through a proper Government Order, with only the terms and conditions pending finalization due to routine formalities. It added that Wani is already assisting in the Chief Minister’s Office and contributing to governance.The clarification comes after several reports alleged that Wani’s appointment lacked clearance from the Lieutenant Governor’s office, and that he was not entitled to salary, accommodation, or staff support. Opposition parties accused Abdullah of prematurely rewarding a close aide who has faced successive electoral defeats.Wani, widely known as Nasir Sogami, is a veteran NC leader. Elected from Amirakadal in 2008, he served in Abdullah’s cabinet as Minister of State handling portfolios including Tourism, Housing and Urban Development, Revenue and Relief, and the sensitive Home Department.He lost the Amirakadal seat in 2014 to Altaf Bukhari of the then-PDP, and again in 2024 from Kupwara, where he was defeated by PDP’s Fayaz Ahmad Mir by nearly 10,000 votes.Despite these setbacks, Wani remains an influential figure within the NC. His longstanding association with Omar Abdullah and his organizational role in the Valley ensure him a place in the party’s top ranks. Analysts view his appointment as more than administrative—framing it as a strategic move to reinforce party loyalty as the NC navigates a crowded political landscape.