MP Ruhullah intensifies attacks on NC for losing public trust

Says his fight is for principles, not chair; rules out new party, slams Dy CM as opportunist

Srinagar, Nov 27: National Conference (NC) MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Thursday said he has neither distanced himself from the party nor plans to form a new one, but expressed serious dissatisfaction with the NC’s failure to pursue its core political commitments. He warned that ignoring key issues such as Article 370, the Waqf Bill and reservations could cost the party its credibility among the people.

Speaking to reporters during his visit to Ganderbal, where he met locals and heard their concerns, Ruhullah said the NC must not “adopt the language of the BJP.” He reiterated his disagreement with the party’s position on reservations and questioned its silence on promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections. “We sought votes by assuring people that we would fight for the restoration of protections linked to Article 370. We cannot change our language after receiving that mandate,” he said. He emphasised that his objections are rooted in principle, not personal ambition. “I have not distanced myself from the party, nor have I planned a new one. The disagreements are only because we must work on the political agendas we promised.”

Ruhullah criticised the party for failing to make tangible progress on its stated commitments. “More than a year has passed, yet we have not worked on Article 370, the Waqf Bill or the reservation issue,” he said. He also expressed surprise at not being invited to the NC Working Committee meeting, noting that this was the first time since 2002 that he, a permanent member, was excluded.

On reports suggesting he may float a political party, he dismissed them as baseless, adding that he has not held discussions with anyone regarding a new platform. Expressing concern over delays in addressing reservation-related issues, he said students are suffering due to uncertainty. “If this matter remains unresolved for another month, I will again sit with the students until it is settled,” he added.

Ruhullah cautioned that failing to uphold public trust would damage the entire political system. “If the party does not follow its own manifesto, it will lose the people’s trust, and losing trust is the biggest loss,” he warned.

He also responded to remarks by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who had advised him to speak in Parliament rather than seek attention. Calling the Dy CM an “opportunist”, Ruhullah said, “My fight is for principles, not for the chair. Some people change parties for positions. I have not changed my party or my principles.”

The MP also demanded immediate compensation and a government job for the family of Bilal Ahmad Songoo, who was killed in the recent Delhi blast, calling it “a murder of humanity” and urging that the tragedy not be communalised. He further criticised recent demolition drives as unjust, terming them a “bulldozer model” and urged the administration to stop targeting innocent people and protect public rights.