NewKerala.com

Aga Ruhullah's Conscience Stand: Why He Defies NC Campaign Pressure

Senior NC leader Aga Ruhullah has taken a bold stand against his own party. He publicly declared that his loyalty lies with his conscience rather than party pressure. This comes after the NC candidate claimed Ruhullah would campaign in the Budgam by-election. The MP's refusal stems from unfulfilled promises made to the people by his party. His stance highlights growing internal tensions within the National Conference.

Key Points: Aga Ruhullah Refuses to Campaign for NC in Budgam Polls

  • Ruhullah refuses to campaign for NC candidate in Budgam by-election
  • Demands public release of reservation recommendations from cabinet
  • Cites unfulfilled party promises to people as primary reason
  • Chief Minister Omar Abdullah defends keeping recommendations confidential
2 min read

'My loyalty is to conscience': Aga Ruhullah to NC candidate

Senior NC leader Aga Ruhullah declares loyalty to conscience over party, refusing to campaign in Budgam by-election amid unfulfilled promises controversy.

"My loyalty is to my conscience and principles - Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi"

Srinagar, Oct 20

Senior National Conference (NC) leader and Lok Sabha member, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, said on Monday that his loyalty is to his conscience and not to anything else.

The senior NC leader was reacting to a statement by the NC candidate for Budgam assembly constituency by-election, Aga Syed Mehmood, who said Ruhullah will campaign for the NC during the campaign in the constituency.

Ruhullah had earlier said he cannot face the people as the promises made to them by the party had remained unfulfilled. He had two days back asked the Omar Abdullah-headed NC government to make public the recommendations on reservations in government jobs and professional courses made by the cabinet sub-committee, which were accepted by the cabinet in its last meeting.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told a media conference later that the recommendations made on reservations cannot be made public unless these are accepted by the Lieutenant Governor. “It would not only be violating the procedure, but it would border on being unlawful to make these recommendations public before the Lieutenant Governor approves them. I am the last person to act under pressure,” Omar told the media conference, while reacting to Ruhullah’s demand to make these recommendations public.

The Chief Minister said that reservations in government jobs and professional colleges should be merit-oriented, and the larger quota must be available for the open merit candidates. “This has been the public demand, and in response to this demand, the government has set up a cabinet sub-committee headed by Education Minister Sakina Itoo,” the Chief Minister said.

In a post on X today, Ruhullah said his loyalty rests with his conscience and principles, not with narratives being imposed upon him. “My loyalty is to my conscience and principles. While I hold respect for my elders in my family, I request them not to belittle my fight (our fight). If they can’t comprehend it and be part of it, at least don’t drag me and my struggle to this level,” Ruhullah said.

The strong statement made by the NC MP indicates his resolve to remain away from the poll campaign process. Ruhullah has an appreciable public following in his native district of Budgam, and he is also a voter for the Budgam assembly seat, where voting is scheduled to be held on November 11.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is interesting. On one hand, Ruhullah wants transparency in reservations, but the CM says procedure must be followed. Both have valid points, but ultimately people's welfare should be the priority.
A
Aditya G
While I appreciate Ruhullah's stand, isn't this internal party drama affecting governance? The people of Budgam need development, not political infighting before elections.
S
Sarah B
As someone following Kashmir politics, this shows healthy democratic dissent within parties. Ruhullah's refusal to campaign unless promises are fulfilled sets a good precedent for accountability.
K
Kavya N
The reservations issue is crucial for Kashmiri youth. Both transparency and proper procedure matter. Hope they find middle ground soon - our students' futures are at stake.
M
Michael C
Respect to Ruhullah for standing by his principles. In Indian politics, we need more leaders who aren't afraid to question their own party when needed. This is true leadership.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50