J&K Deputy CM eats his words on MP Ruhullah in the face of protests

J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Tuesday (October 21, 2025) had to eat his words in the face of protests by the supporters of National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament (MP) Aga Syed Ruhullah, a day after the former’s backhanded remarks against the MP.  

“The misunderstanding occurred due to the rush and noise at the gathering, which led to confusion about whom the comment referred to. I hold Aga Syed Ruhullah in high regard,” Mr. Choudhary said.

On Monday (October 20), Mr. Choudhary, while speaking on the occasion of NC candidate Agha Syed Mehmood’s filing of nomination for the Budgam assembly by-poll, said, “He knew no other Aga than Mehmood. Who is he (Ruhullah)?”

There is growing isolation of Mr. Ruhullah within the NC’s top leadership, after the former’s public stand on issues like “reservation policy, arrested youth and the party’s unfulfilled manifesto”. 

In north Kashmir’s Bandipora, scores of NC supporters on Tuesday hit the streets against Mr. Choudhary.

“We will not tolerate any insult to Aga Ruhullah. He is our pride. Any disrespect shown towards our leader is unacceptable. Any attempt to belittle him will evoke a sharp reaction,” pro-Ruhullah protesters said, as they raised anti-Choudhary slogans in Bandipora’s Sonawari area. 

The protesters were demanding a public apology from Mr. Choudhary for his remarks against the party colleague and MP Ruhullah, who has decided not to campaign for the party in the upcoming bypolls. 

Mr. Ruhullah has left for New Delhi, after posting a statement on X. “My loyalty is to my conscience and principles. While I hold respect for my elders in my family, I request them not to belittle my fight (our fight). If they can’t comprehend it and be part of it, at least don’t drag me and my struggle to this level,” Mr. Ruhullah said, while referring to the demands made by some party leaders to join the campaign.