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| NC moves to placate “annoyed” Ruhullah Mehdi | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 25: In a politically significant development ahead of the upcoming Budgam by-election, the National Conference (NC) has initiated steps to reconcile with its senior leader and Lok Sabha member from Srinagar, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi.
The move comes in the aftermath of Mehdi’s open disagreement with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on key issues, including the existing reservation rules, statehood, and Article 370.
Mehdi had recently led a protest outside the residence of Omar Abdullah, expressing discontent over the reservation policy and other matters. Following this, Mehdi maintained a conspicuous silence, abstaining from several official functions, including the high-profile inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel.
Recognizing the potential political fallout, senior NC leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary and the Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, held a closed-door meeting with Mehdi.
According to reliable sources, the meeting was part of a broader strategy to ensure party unity and secure Mehdi’s support for the Budgam by-election.
The Budgam constituency became vacant after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah decided to relinquish his claim to the seat, despite winning both the Budgam and Ganderbal constituencies in the last election. Party insiders suggest that NC is considering fielding Nasir Aslam Wani for the by-election. However, the leadershi Ahead of the upcoming Budgam by-election, NC has initiated steps to reconcile with its senior leader and MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi.
Senior NC leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary and the Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, held a closed-door meeting with Mehdi.
The meeting was part of a broader strategy to ensure party unity and secure Mehdi’s support for the Budgam by-election.
The constituency fell vacant after CM Omar Abdullah decided to retain Ganderbal and leave Budgam
The meeting with Mehdi, sources say, was aimed at sending a strong message to both party cadres and the public. It sought to underscore that Mehdi remains an integral part of the National Conference despite his recent protest. The party also wants to dispel any perception of a rift within its leadership at a time when unity is critical.
The protest led by Mehdi had drawn criticism from several NC leaders, who viewed it as a public airing of grievances that could weaken the party’s image. However, the leadership is keen to portray the episode as a misunderstanding rather than a sign of factionalism.
“The meeting with Aga Ruhullah Mehdi is part of a reconciliation process. The party is committed to addressing his concerns and ensuring that he remains aligned with the broader goals of the National Conference,” said a senior party leader on the condition of anonymity.
As the Budgam by-election approaches, the NC is leaving no stone unturned to consolidate its position. Mehdi’s support is seen as pivotal in not only securing the seat but also in reinforcing the party’s standing in the politically sensitive region.
With the by-election shaping up to be a critical test for the National Conference, the party’s efforts to mend fences with key leaders like Mehdi are being closely watched by political observers and opponents alike. |
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