Srinagar: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Tuesday clarified that his recent comments were “misinterpreted” and were not aimed at Srinagar Member of Parliament Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi.
Choudhary said his statement made during a public event a day earlier, where he remarked that he did not know Ruhullah, was actually directed at a BJP candidate and not at the National Conference leader.
He said the misunderstanding occurred due to the “rush and noise” at the gathering, which led to confusion about whom the comment referred to.
“I hold Aga Ruhullah Mehdi in high regard. He is an honourable leader and an elected representative of the people of Srinagar,” Choudhary said as per news agency KNS. “There was no intention to make any personal or political remark against him,” he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister’s clarification came after his earlier comment drew reactions on social media, with several users questioning the intent behind the statement.
Choudhary said he values cordial relations with all public representatives and emphasised that mutual respect among leaders is essential for effective governance and public service.
Meanwhile, earlier today protests broke out in Ichgam, Budgam, and several other areas of central Kashmir district over the Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary’s remarks about Ruhullah Mehdi. In a purported video shot yesterday, Choudhary was heard saying, “Who Agha? I don’t know him, I know only Agha Mehmood, who is our candidate for the Budgam by-elections.”
These remarks triggered widespread anger among locals and supporters of the Srinagar MP, with people in many areas taking to streets demanding an apology from the Deputy CM for what they termed as a “disrespectful” statement against a senior political leader.
According to the news agency KNO, visuals from protest sites showed large crowds chanting slogans against and expressing strong opposition to Choudhary’s comments. (With inputs from KNS & KNO)
