‘Unaware of His Decision’, Omar Abdullah Distances Himself from Ruhullah’s Bypoll Campaigning Stand – Alfaaz – The Words

Srinagar: National Conference Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said he was unaware of senior National Conference (NC) leader and Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi’s announcement to stay away from the party’s campaign for the upcoming Budgam Assembly bypolls.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the FICCI National Executive Committee meeting in Srinagar, Omar said, as per Alfaaz – The Words, that he had “no knowledge” of Ruhullah’s reported decision.

“I don’t know anything about him,” the ruling NC Vice President said when asked about Ruhullah’s remarks.

Ruhullah, a prominent NC leader and three-time legislator from Budgam, on Monday declared that he would refrain from campaigning in the bypolls, citing “unfulfilled commitments” made to the people and a personal adherence to political principles over party dictates.

“If the party wants me to go before the people, there are certain issues that need immediate attention. Only after that will I consider participating,” Ruhullah said, adding that his stance is driven by conviction, and not any political manoeuvring.

Ruhullah also expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as a lack of accountability within the party regarding previous developmental promises in Budgam. “I asked them what work was done on the Assembly and on the commitments we made. Until those questions are answered, why should I go before people?” he remarked.

Meanwhile, responding to questions on governance and economic challenges, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that Jammu and Kashmir has thus far faced an exceptionally difficult year marked by multiple crises. “This has been a tough year, beginning with the Pahalgam attack, followed by tensions between India and Pakistan, and then the heavy rains that caused significant damage. Yet, even amid the difficulties, there remains a ray of hope, and we are moving forward with that optimism,” he said.

Omar added that the government has already intensified efforts to revive the tourism sector, launching promotional campaigns across major Indian cities and sending a team to Singapore to attract visitors from Southeast Asia. (with additional inputs from agencies)