Budgam, Oct 31: Dissenting National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Saturday reiterated that he would resign from the party as well as his Lok Sabha membership on November 3.
The NC MP said his decision is rooted in principles and the alleged failure of the NC leadership to honour electoral promises made to the people.
Speaking to reporters in Budgam, Ruhullah said his resignation announcement had been made earlier and would be implemented on November 3, the death anniversary of his father, Martyr Aga Syed Mehdi. “A public programme will be organised at Behisht-e-Zehra Park near the DC Office in Budgam,” he said, as per the news agency.
Clarifying his position amid speculation over possible attempts to destabilise the elected government, Ruhullah said he was neither in favour of horse-trading nor wanted to be associated with any such activity. “The National Conference government should be allowed to complete its five-year term, and governments should not be brought down through horse-trading,” the MP said.
He said his disagreement with the party leadership was based on promises made during the elections, particularly regarding the restoration of Article 370, constitutional rights, reservation issues and the release of prisoners. “There is no personal grievance over not getting any position or chair. My fight is based on principles and the promises made by the National Conference to the people during elections,” he said.
Ruhullah also referred to remarks by NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah regarding the party’s position on Article 370 and questioned why he should continue holding a parliamentary seat under the party’s symbol when the leadership was no longer willing to pursue that political struggle.
Ruhullah said he was prepared to face the political consequences of his decision, adding that if people supported his position, the opportunity to represent them through the parliamentary platform could arise again.
The MP further appealed to people who believed in principled politics, transparency and political accountability to participate in the gathering, saying the programme would provide an opportunity for like-minded people from across Jammu and Kashmir to come together—(KNO).
Rana says Ruhullah’s exit won’t affect
Jammu Tawi, Oct 31: Jammu and Kashmir Minister Javed Ahmed Rana on Saturday dismissed reports of internal discord within the National Conference, asserting that the party remained united and that any decision by MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi to leave the organisation would have no impact on it.
Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Rana said Ruhullah, if he chose to quit, would do so on his own, while the party would continue to remain strong under the leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah.
“If Aga Sahib decides to leave, he will leave alone. Why would his departure affect the party? The organisation will remain united,” he said.
Rana also rejected reports of resentment among NC legislators following the recent Cabinet expansion, questioning claims that 18 party MLAs had met to express dissatisfaction.
He said no official statement or press note had been issued by the legislators to substantiate such reports, adding that routine meetings among party colleagues should not be portrayed as signs of internal discord.
The Minister maintained that the party organisation under Farooq Abdullah and the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah remained strong.
Acknowledging that some legislators might be disappointed over not finding a place in the expanded Council of Ministers, Rana said the number of ministerial positions was limited, although every MLA aspired to become a minister.