India, Nov. 8 -- Jammu and Kashmir's ruling National Conference (NC) is passing through one of its most challenging political phases in recent years, with growing internal dissent, questions over leadership, dissatisfaction among legislators and the dramatic resignation of Srinagar MP, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, bringing fresh uncertainty to the party's political future.

Developments over the past week have exposed serious differences within the party, particularly following Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's recent Cabinet expansion, in which four new ministers were inducted. What was expected to strengthen the government's functioning has instead triggered resentment among several party legislators, who believe that seniority, experience and...