Srinagar: In a major political development, three-time legislator and powerful Shia leader Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday resigned from the post of chief spokesman of National Conference (NC).
The powerful leader from Central Kashmir resigned from the post after National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah demanded the restoration of statehood. In an article published in Indian Express, Omar had written that he will not contest Assembly election till J&K’s statehood is restored.
Mehdi, who has emerged as the most vocal voice in Kashmir Valley for the restoration of the Article 370, announced his resignation from the post of Chief spokesperson of NC today, saying that none of his statements should be considered as such. “I have sent across my resignation from the post of Chief Spokesperson of @JKNC_. From here on none of my statements should be considered as such,” Mehdi, who is a three-time former legislator tweeted as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO)
Ruhullah is considered as one of the influential Shia leaders in central Kashmir’s Budgam belt where he has won thrice starting from 2002. He also played a crucial role in Omar Abdullah’s victory from the Beerwah Assembly segment in 2014.
In an exclusive chat with KNO in May this year, Ruhullah had said the silence of all the political parties on the abrogation of Article 370 is injustice with the people of Jammu & Kashmir. “It is not only the National Conference which is silent. Every other political party is silent. Honestly speaking, unfortunately, the entire society is silent after August 5. This silence is proving counter-productive,” he had said.
The powerful Shia leader had also said he will choose a separate path if the National Conference will compromise on the special status of J&K. “Of course, I will (choose a separate path). Why should we debate something which has not happened? Hope they will not do it,” he had said—(KNO)
