Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday that he was unaware of senior party leader and current MP from Srinagar, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi’s, decision not to participate in the party’s campaign for the Budgam by-election.
The Chief Minister made these comments on the sidelines of the FICCI National Executive Committee meeting in Srinagar. Aga Ruhullah Mehdi had said on Monday that he was not going to endorse party candidates for the Budgam by-elections, citing unfulfilled promises by the party.
When Abdullah was asked about the MP’s recent remarks, he replied that he did not know anything about it.
The discord between Mehdi and Abdullah stemmed from a protest organised by students and daily-wage workers in Srinagar earlier this year. Mehdi had led the protests against his own party over what he believed were genuine demands of educated unemployed youth, along with the non-regularised salaried class.
Ruhullah, who has represented the Budgam assembly constituency multiple times, said his decision was influenced by the party's failure to address issues and deliver promises made during the previous Assembly term.
He said, “If the party wants me to go in front of people, I would do so only after seeing some of the sticking points being addressed immediately; otherwise, I will not participate.”
Ruhullah, while openly expressing his displeasure with the party, said, “My responsibility has always been towards the institution I work for and the people who trusted me with their votes.”
“I asked them, ‘What work did you do in the Assembly? What commitments did you make to yourselves? Until these are addressed, why should I go in front of people?’” he questioned.
His displeasure with the party fielding an outsider in the seat was reflected in his comments; he said, “I am not one to decide who contests the seat. I have a vote here, and I will vote and fulfil my responsibility.”
On the autonomy of voters in Budgam, the MP said that people are the true owners of their votes. While he may offer advice if asked, he emphasised that he will not influence or dictate anyone’s choice.
Ruhullah’s stature has grown immensely over the past few years for his defiant stance, be it against his own party or speaking against the Central government on certain issues prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir.
He has been a vocal critic of the National Conference for its soft stance on Article 370 and the restoration of statehood.
Also Read: JKNC’s Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi files nomination from the Srinagar constituency
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