Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Kashmiri Physician Reveals Sheikh Abdullah Offered CM Post to G.M. Shah
A famous doctor from Kashmir, Dr. Ghulam Qadir Allaqaband, recently shared a big secret.
He said that a long time ago, a very important leader named Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah wanted his son-in-law, Ghulam Muhammad Shah, to become the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
But Shah said no because he felt it wouldn't be right to take the job while Sheikh Abdullah was still alive.
Later, when Sheikh Abdullah's son, Farooq Abdullah, became Chief Minister, Shah felt left out.
This led to a big fight in the government.
Shah and some other leaders left the main party and started their own.
This caused a lot of trouble and made people lose trust in the government.
It's like when siblings fight over who should be in charge, and it causes problems for everyone.
Dr. Ghulam Qadir Allaqaband revealed that Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah offered the Chief Minister post to his son-in-law, Ghulam Muhammad Shah, who declined out of respect.
Shah's refusal was seen as a sign of humility, as he felt he couldn't take the role while Sheikh Abdullah was still alive.
Farooq Abdullah, Sheikh Abdullah's son, eventually became Chief Minister and led the National Conference (NC) party.
Shah led a defection from the NC in 1984, reducing Farooq Abdullah's government to a minority and leading to Shah's appointment as Chief Minister.
The defection was seen as a political coup and caused a lasting rift within the Abdullah-Shah family, weakening public trust in democratic processes in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Who
- Dr. Ghulam Qadir Allaqaband, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, Ghulam Muhammad Shah, Dr. Farooq Abdullah
- What
- Sheikh Abdullah offered the Chief Minister post to G.M. Shah, who declined; Shah later led a defection against Farooq Abdullah
- When
- Sheikh Abdullah's offer was during his lifetime; Shah's defection was on July 2, 1984
- Where
- Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Why
- Shah declined the offer out of respect for Sheikh Abdullah; his defection was seen as an attempt to avenge being overlooked for the Chief Minister post
- Dr. Ghulam Qadir Allaqaband
- Noted Kashmiri physician and witness to political events
- Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah
- Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir
- Ghulam Muhammad Shah
- Sheikh Abdullah's son-in-law and NC leader
- Dr. Farooq Abdullah
- Sheikh Abdullah's son and successor as Chief Minister
- Awami National Conference
- Party founded by G.M. Shah after his defection