Srinagar, Feb 18: National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament (MP) Agha Ruhullah Mehdi has strongly criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it unnatural and comparing it to divine wrath rather than a blessing.
Reacting to Omar’s remarks made during PM Modi’s January visit to Sonamarg, Ruhullah said that sunshine during Chillai Kalan (the harshest winter period in Kashmir) was not a sign of favour, but an ominous event. “If we see the sun instead of snow during Chillai Kalan, it is not a blessing—it is God’s wrath,” he said.
He referred to former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s infamous “toffee and milk” remark and warned that political statements are not forgotten easily, and leaders are always held accountable for their words and actions.
Reiterating his stance on Article 370, the MP asserted that NC must remain committed to its core promises. He warned that if the party strayed from its ideological path, it would be seen as a betrayal by the people.
“NC must stick to its ideological commitments throughout its five-year term, or else people will see it as a betrayal,” Mehdi said, adding that the abrogation of Article 370 was not just a political event but a direct attack on Kashmir’s constitutional rights.
On being asked whether he felt isolated within his party for continuing to raise Article 370, while others shifted focus to statehood, Ruhullah said, “It does not matter if I stand alone. If we abandon our objectives, we will lose people’s trust.”
He said the people of J&K have a long political memory and will not forget unfulfilled promises. “The people of J&K are politically aware. They know what they were promised and what they expect in return. If the government does not meet their expectations, the same public that elects leaders also has the power to remove them,” he said.
Addressing past criticism from within NC for his stance on youth protests, Mehdi reaffirmed his support for students and their rights. “No system is more important than the dignity of the people. If students protest for their rights, their concerns must be addressed,” he said, adding that NC must uphold internal democracy.
