Ruhullah dismisses reports of political alliance with Azad, Engineer Rashid, says no decision taken

Srinagar: Former Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has dismissed reports suggesting a possible political alliance with former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Engineer Rashid to form a new party, saying he has taken no such decision.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ruhullah said discussions were underway with various people to determine his future political course following his resignation from the National Conference (NC). However, he declined to share details of the ongoing consultations.

“Ask those who are making these claims. I have not taken any such decision,” he said, rejecting speculation about an alliance with Azad and Engineer Rashid.

Ruhullah said he would not engage in a war of words with NC leaders over statements made after his departure. He accused the party of failing to honour the responsibility entrusted to it by the people and said an alternative political course was needed to continue the struggle for Jammu and Kashmir’s rights.

“The National Conference was given a responsibility by the people, but it failed to fulfil it. We will have to take responsibility ourselves and find a way forward,” he said.

He maintained that his departure from the party would not end his political struggle for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Ruhullah resigned from the National Conference and the Lok Sabha on November 3, ending his 24-year association with the party. His parliamentary resignation was accepted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

He announced his decision at a rally in Budgam, where he accused the NC leadership, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and party president Farooq Abdullah, of betraying the public mandate and failing to fulfil electoral promises, particularly on Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights.