Srinagar: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday asked party MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi to resign from the Lok Sabha and seek a fresh mandate from the people if he believes his electoral victory was based on his personal support.
Responding to Ruhullah’s recent statements, Abdullah said the Srinagar MP was free to raise issues such as the restoration of Article 370 in Parliament.
“If he thinks Article 370 can be restored, he should take up the issue in Parliament,” Abdullah said.
Challenging Ruhullah’s claim of enjoying independent political support, Abdullah said, “If you think people voted for you, resign and go back to them. We will see how many votes you get.”
He said party members are expected to abide by decisions taken by the organisation and stressed the importance of party discipline during elections.
Referring to reports of differences within the National Conference, Abdullah said disagreements are common in political parties and should not automatically be viewed as a rebellion against the leadership.
He also maintained that the party and the government have separate roles, adding that as NC president he does not wish to interfere unnecessarily in the functioning of the administration.
Abdullah recalled the sacrifices made by generations of NC leaders and workers, saying the party has endured because of the commitment of its grassroots cadre.
Asked about Ruhullah’s political direction, Abdullah advised the MP to seek guidance from the Quran while reiterating that he believes Ruhullah is currently on the “wrong path.” (KNS)
