Omar Abdullah, party MP Ruhullah engage in war of words

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his party National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament (MP) Aga Syed Ruhullah on Monday engaged in a war of words, as differences between the two is growing ahead of the Budgam assembly by-elections, also hometown of Mr. Ruhullah.

The fresh war of words was sparked after another Member of Parliament (MP) Mian Altaf, during a television debate, asked Mr. Abdullah to choose his words carefully on issues like electricity meters and reservation. 

“I spoke to Mian Altaf Sahib. He (MP Altaf) clarified that he hasn’t said what is being reported in the media. He only advised me to speak patiently and carefully when it comes to the CM’s position. I accept my senior colleague’s advice just like I do when my father gives similar advice,” Omar said.

However, Mr. Abdulah fumed over the reference to MP Ruhullah’s criticism of him in the recent past. “Why are you comparing Mian Sahib with him? The difference between the two is like the ground and sky. Please don’t talk about him (MP Ruhullah),” Mr. Abdullah said.

Ruhullah hits back

In a stingy retort, Mr. Ruhullah said it was “unfortunate to see the conversation reduced to personal attacks”.

“I am not the story here, Ruhullah is just a name. The real story is the existential threat to Kashmir. Do they know where our boys are, those who’ve been jailed for years? Do they still remember the promises made to lift our heads again? We didn’t fight to decorate the dictators with shawls and bouquets. We fought to do right by our people,” MP Ruhullah said.

The duo, Mr. Abdullah and Mr. Ruhullah, since the government formation in 2024, have found themselves at odds with each other. It started with MP Ruhullah joining a protest over reservation issues at the Chief Minister’s residence in Srinagar last year. Since then, the two have been critical of each other.

Mr. Ruhullah has publicly distanced himself from campaigning for the party in the upcoming by-elections of Budgam seat. Mr. Ruhullah, an influential Shia cleric, hails from Budgam and remains a popular figure within voters of his area. The Budgam by-elections are scheduled for November 11. Mr. Ruhullah said he was unhappy with the performance of the Omar Abdullah government. 

NC MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi sought resignation from MP Ruhullah.

Meanwhile, scores of MP Ruhullah supporters hit the streets in Bandipora in his support after the Chief Minister’s remarks.