Jammu, Oct. 31 -- Rejecting the assertion of a rift within Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Jammu and Kashmir Minister Javed Rana on Saturday asserted that the party remains strong with no resentment within its ranks, dismissing speculation that Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi's planned exit would affect the party.

"If Agha Sahab decides to part ways, he will do so alone. If he leaves, he leaves by himself... Why would it affect the party?" Rana said, responding to questions about Ruhullah's decision to resign from the party and his Lok Sabha seat on November 3. There has been speculation that there is discontent within the party following the recent cabinet reshuffle in the Oman Abdullah-led cabinet.

Describing the National C...