Srinagar: MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi has accused disgruntled National Conference legislators of raising their voices against the leadership only after being denied ministerial berths, dismissing their dissent as a fight driven by “wounded self-interest and bruised egos” rather than ideological concerns.
In an interview, Ruhullah said the same MLAs who had criticised him for questioning the party leadership over its electoral promises and political compromises were now expressing resentment over the recent Cabinet reshuffle.
He alleged that their outrage was rooted in personal interests, while his own opposition to the party’s decisions had been driven by ideological differences and concerns over the public mandate.
Ruhullah’s remarks come amid growing discontent within the National Conference, with at least 18 party MLAs reportedly meeting in Srinagar on Friday and six others joining virtually to discuss their grievances against the leadership.
The disgruntled legislators, as per NDTV, are demanding the removal of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani, and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, besides changes to the Council of Ministers, a roadmap for implementing the party manifesto and greater empowerment of MLAs.
The group has reportedly accused the leadership of a lack of internal democracy and accountability, insisting that its demands are aimed at strengthening the party rather than splitting it.
Ruhullah, meanwhile, has announced his decision to resign from his parliamentary seat and party membership, further highlighting the widening rift within the ruling party.
