MP Ruhulla Labels Omar Govt a “Public Failure”

Suhail Khan

Srinagar, Jan 13: In a dramatic public rupture within the National Conference (NC), senior party leader and Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi launched a scorching critique of the Omar Abdullah-led government, branding its tenure a “public failure.” He also questioned the party’s commitment to its core promises, including the restoration of Article 370.

Addressing a gathering in Srinagar, the Parliamentarian expressed profound regret over the performance of the NC government that assumed power over a year ago. “It is now evident to all that this government has failed to meet public expectations,” Ruhullah stated, as per Kashmir Convener.

He launched a personal broadside against Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other senior party figures, accusing them of being disconnected from the public. “They shun the paths I walk,” he alleged.

Ruhullah claimed the leadership leveraged his grassroots appeal during elections but now avoids appearing with him before the people. “The reality is clear, but I will not abandon my people; we will fight this together,” he asserted. He urged constituents to lawfully pursue their rights while maintaining peace and public order.

Ruhullah pointedly questioned the party’s stance on foundational issues. “If we cannot even articulate a position on the major promises—be it Article 370 or statehood, the central issues on which we sought votes—we must, at a minimum, advocate vigorously for the provision of basic public facilities,” he declared.

In a separate press interaction, MP Ruhullah condemned the alleged surveillance of mosques and religious preachers in Kashmir by police and intelligence agencies, calling it a constitutional violation and an infringement on religious freedom.

He framed the monitoring not as a routine administrative measure but as part of a broader “ideological project.” “This is a project of a particular right-wing ideology which seeks to control religions that do not conform to the RSS worldview,” Ruhullah charged.

The MP argued that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freely practice and propagate religion. “Surveillance, intimidation, and attempts to control religious practice are clear violations of these constitutional rights,” he said. Questioning the need for “extra layers of surveillance” in an era of Aadhaar and extensive data collection, he warned, “If you single out people associated with a particular religion for additional scrutiny, it appears to be an attempt to intimidate them.”

Ruhullah cautioned that such policies could lead to direct interference in religious affairs. “Tomorrow, mosque preachers may be told what sermons to deliver. That would mean the functioning of religion itself is being brought under control,” he said. He added that the separate targeting of religious institutions sends a “dangerous message.”

Drawing stark parallels, Ruhullah connected the treatment of minorities in India to global conflicts. He stated he views incidents of lynching against minorities in India through the same lens as the plight of Muslims in Gaza. “Whether it is Hindus in Bangladesh, Muslims in India, or any innocent being anywhere—the perpetrator is a terrorist committing an atrocity,” he stated emphatically.

He also criticized Western powers for their “double standards” on democracy and human rights, particularly concerning Iran and Gaza, asserting that external interference in sovereign nations is unjustified.