Srinagar, Nov 3, KDC: The National Conference (NC) on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on its Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi over his criticism of the party leadership and his decision to part ways with the organisation, accusing him of political theatrics and questioning his contribution to the struggle for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
In a strongly worded statement, according to news agency Kashmir Dot Com, the party described Ruhullah’s speech as a reflection of what it termed his “mental and moral bankruptcy” and “self-obsession”, accusing him of using derogatory and unparliamentary language against the NC leadership while invoking the Quran and its message of human dignity and respect.
The party also questioned the timing of Ruhullah’s decision to resign from the NC and his criticism of its position on Article 370 and reservation, alleging that he had remained associated with the party and held political positions when it suited him.
Referring to his tenure as a minister in 2010 and his decision to contest the 2014 Assembly elections on an NC ticket, the party said Ruhullah had not raised the issues he was now invoking at the time and had brought them into focus only years later.
On the issue of special status, the NC asked whether Ruhullah had made any sustained effort in Parliament to mobilise support among MPs for the restoration of Article 370 or attempted to move a resolution or bill on the matter.
The party also referred to his reported role in mobilising signatures of more than 100 MPs for an impeachment motion against Allahabad High Court judge Shekhar Kumar Yadav, questioning why a similar effort was not undertaken for the restoration of J&K’s special status and statehood.
Questioning his role as Srinagar MP, the NC said he was elected to represent the political aspirations of the people and raise concerns over the erosion of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional position and the functioning of the elected government under the Union Territory arrangement.
On reservation, the party maintained that the issue of alleged injustice to the open merit category had emerged during the Lieutenant Governor’s rule and was subsequently taken up by the NC government in line with its election manifesto.
It said the government had constituted a Cabinet Sub-Committee and initiated changes in the reservation framework, but alleged that the file had subsequently been stalled by the authorities. The party questioned whether Ruhullah had raised the matter in Parliament or sought an explanation from the Centre over the alleged delay.
The NC also accused him of failing to organise protests against the Lieutenant Governor or the Centre over reservation-related concerns during the period between his election to Parliament and the formation of the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir.
Defending its position on statehood and special status, the party said restoration of statehood would not come at the cost of its demand for the restoration of constitutional rights and identity. It maintained that the issue of special status had figured among the first priorities of the elected government and reiterated that protecting Jammu and Kashmir’s identity remained central to its political ideology.
“Reclaiming and repossessing what was taken away from us needs a deft politics, not theatrics,” the party said, arguing that public demonstrations and social media attention alone would not secure the rights of the people.
The statement also accused Ruhullah of working against the party’s interests while remaining an NC member, alleging that he had played a role in the party’s defeat in the Budgam Assembly by-election. It questioned his conduct during the electoral contest and asked why he had not raised similar concerns while continuing to hold positions within the organisation.
The party further pointed to his political journey within the NC, saying he had begun his political career with the organisation, served as an MLA for three terms, held ministerial office and subsequently entered Parliament on its ticket.
The statement comes amid heightened political tensions following Ruhullah’s announcement of his decision to quit the NC and resign as Srinagar MP. (KDC)
