Growing Rift in National Conference: Srinagar MP Demands Omar Abdullah's Resignation Over Unfulfilled Promises

Aga Ruhullah was responding directly to Omar Abdullah's comments in their ongoing dispute.

Srinagar:

The internal conflict within the National Conference party has intensified as Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah has publicly accused Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of failing to fulfill the party's campaign promises, suggesting he should step down from his position.

Ruhullah has consistently criticized Abdullah regarding several critical issues including the restoration of Article 370, statehood status for Jammu and Kashmir, and reservation policies. Adding to the party's internal tensions, Mian Altaf, another NC Lok Sabha MP, also appeared to voice criticism toward the Chief Minister on Sunday.

When addressing these criticisms, Abdullah stated that he respects Altaf's advice as he would his father's, but made a clear distinction between the two MPs. "I don't want to discuss Aga Ruhullah. Why attempt to compare him with Mian Altaf who represents Anantnag? There is absolutely no comparison between them. The difference between the two is enormous," Abdullah remarked on Monday.

In response to these comments, Ruhullah defended his position, stating that he is simply adhering to the National Conference's core ideology and advocating for the issues promised in their electoral manifesto. He accused Abdullah of being the one deviating from the party's platform.

"Ask Abdullah if the questions and issues I'm raising aren't part of the National Conference agenda. If they are indeed part of the NC platform, how can I be accused of separating from the party? He's the one following an incorrect path. If anyone needs to resign and apologize, it's Abdullah, not me," the Srinagar MP declared.

"It's unfortunate that he's making this personal. If that's his approach, I'm prepared to respond accordingly. However, I believe there are far more significant matters than personal egos," he added.

Ruhullah challenged the Chief Minister to address whether he has delivered on the promises outlined in the NC's manifesto.

"This isn't about me personally. I'm nobody significant. This is about the commitments the NC made to the people. The campaign for Article 370's restoration is an existential issue for us. We promised to fight for the protection of our identity," he emphasized.

The Srinagar MP further criticized Abdullah for abandoning fundamental issues and accused him of developing close relations with the central government through "shawls and bouquets."

"What has he accomplished in the past year besides breaking promises and wrapping those broken commitments in shawls and bouquets?" Ruhullah questioned.

The verbal dispute has expanded beyond political circles as Ruhullah's supporters organized protests against the Chief Minister's remarks.