Srinagar: Former Srinagar Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Sunday accused the National Conference (NC) leadership of seeking his resignation rather than addressing concerns over the party’s failure to fulfil its political commitments to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters in Beerwah, Ruhullah said his differences with the party stemmed from its failure to pursue the commitments made to the people following the August 2019 developments.
“They did not want improvement. They wanted resignation. We asked them to fulfil the promises made to the people, but they did not do so. Instead, they asked for my resignation,” he said.
Alleging that the party leadership was unwilling to change its political approach, Ruhullah said his repeated calls for corrective measures had not received the desired response.
He defended the timing of his departure, saying that after the developments of 2019, the need was for a sustained political struggle and adherence to commitments made to the people.
Responding to criticism from his former party, Ruhullah said he did not intend to engage in a war of words with the NC leadership.
“People will answer them, and time will tell,” he said, adding that the responsibility entrusted to the party by the electorate had not been fulfilled and that accountability was necessary.
On his future political course, the former MP indicated that consultations were underway to bring together like-minded people willing to pursue the political rights of Jammu and Kashmir.
“We are finding a way forward. We are talking to the right people. Inshallah, you will come to know as time passes,” he said.
He maintained that the struggle for political rights would continue irrespective of the National Conference’s position, adding that the opportunity given to one political organisation should not bring the broader struggle to a halt.
Ruhullah also commented on international conflicts involving the United States and Israel, saying their consequences extended beyond the regions directly affected and had implications for economies worldwide, including India, through currency fluctuations, prices and international trade.
Referring to political developments abroad, he said people were increasingly rejecting governments and political forces they perceived as arrogant, expressing hope that political leaderships disregarding public aspirations would face similar accountability.
