Srinagar, July 11 (JKNS): Rulling National Conference Member of Parliament Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Saturday distanced himself from the party’s proposed statehood campaign, saying he was neither invited nor required at the recent National Conference meeting and would not participate in the planned Jantar Mantar protest, asserting that he would continue to raise the issue of Article 370 instead.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Kulgam, MP Ruhullah, as per news agency JKNS, said he was occupied with previously scheduled programmes related to Muharram observances and was not part of the National Conference meeting.
“They didn’t need me. I was not called, I was not there. I already had programmes in Kulgam, Srinagar and other places in connection with 25th Muharram,” Ruhullah said.
When asked whether he would participate in the National Conference’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar seeking restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, Ruhullah replied in the negative.
“They are going there to protest for statehood. I will go and speak to the people of Jammu and Kashmir about Article 370,” he said.
The Srinagar MP alleged that reducing the political discourse only to statehood serves the BJP’s narrative.
“They are working on the BJP’s project. I will work on the projects of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Ruhullah maintained that the National Conference had contested elections on the issue of statehood, but reiterated his view that the larger constitutional question of Article 370 should remain central.
“Whoever speaks only about statehood while ignoring Article 370 is helping normalise the post-August 5 status quo. That is the BJP’s propaganda project,” he said.
Responding to a question regarding Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s reported remarks on the issue, Ruhullah said, “If Mirwaiz has said that, then he is right.”
The National Conference MP reiterated that his political stand remains focused on safeguarding the constitutional rights and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. (JKNS)