Mystery bus ride of NC leaders sparks buzz, CM Omar says off-site meet was pre-planned

A sudden change in the apparent venue of a crucial meeting of ruling National Conference (NC) ministers, legislators and Members of Parliament on Wednesday triggered intense speculation in political circles in Srinagar, before Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stepped in to clarify that the meeting had always been planned as an off-site exercise.

The meeting was originally scheduled at the Chief Minister’s residence on Gupkar Road at 10 am, according to invitations issued to participants.

However, photographs shared by Omar Abdullah on X showed him travelling in a bus alongside ministers and MLAs towards an undisclosed destination, fuelling rumours of a last-minute change in plans.

Adding to the intrigue, NC’s senior vice-president Dr. Veeri posted on X: “Crossed Shalimar for unknown destination!” as the convoy headed towards the meeting venue.

As speculation mounted, Omar Abdullah dismissed reports suggesting that the meeting had been shifted at the eleventh hour from his Gupkar residence to some other location.

“We are off for an off-site to spend the day taking stock of the last 19 months — the good, the not so good & everything in between,” the Chief Minister wrote on X.

Refuting claims of a sudden venue change, he added: “I’m sorry to disappoint you but it has NOT ‘been shifted at the last moment’. It was always my intention to conduct this meeting off-site and all arrangements have been made, days in advance, at the location originally chosen by me.”

The clarification came amid growing political buzz over the secrecy surrounding the meeting venue. Sources said the off-site format was designed to allow ministers, MLAs and MPs to engage in uninterrupted discussions away from the routine pressures and distractions of official work.

His statement effectively put to rest reports that the meeting location had been altered at the last minute, asserting that preparations for the off-site gathering had been finalized several days earlier.

The meeting is understood to be focused on reviewing the NC-led government’s performance over the past 19 months, with discussions expected on achievements, shortcomings and the road ahead for the party and the government.