Srinagar, Jan 2: A public rift has surfaced between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his party’s Lok Sabha MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, sparked by the latter’s participation in an anti-reservation protest outside Abdullah’s residence last month. The dispute took a sharper turn on Thursday, as both leaders exchanged pointed remarks over their political priorities.
Speaking at a media interaction in Srinagar, Omar Abdullah challenged Mehdi to hold a similar protest in Delhi during the Lok Sabha session, specifically for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
In response, Mehdi, known for his forthrightness, accepted the challenge in a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter).
“I’ve been informed about an urge and desire to protest for statehood in Delhi. I AM READY to participate in such a protest and invite those prioritizing statehood to organize it. I will also try to garner support from over 100 Hon’ble MPs. For them, there’s no better time than January, when India’s Constitution—the very document that enshrined our special status—was adopted,” the MP from Srinagar wrote.
Mehdi, however, reiterated that the restoration of Article 370 remains his paramount focus, calling its abrogation a calculated humiliation.
“The abrogation of Article 370 and our subsequent demotion to a Union Territory was a deliberate attempt to erode our dignity. It was a stark declaration that our sacrifices mean nothing and that our future is theirs to dictate,” Mehdi stated.
The Fight for Identity
The Shia leader emphasized that his stance since 2019 has been unequivocal.
“In Budgam and other public gatherings, I made it clear that our fight must be for the restoration of Article 370 and the dignity it represents for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Mehdi said, adding, “Our voices must first rise for our honour, our identity, and the autonomy we have long been denied. Settling for mere statehood would be a hollow victory.”
Mehdi also noted that he remains committed to raising his voice louder with each passing day, ending his statement with a poignant remark: “The Tree Remembers.”
Abdullah Brushes Off Tensions
Responding to questions about his relationship with Mehdi, Omar Abdullah downplayed the apparent discord.
“I interact with him just like I do with my other colleagues. It’s not as if I used to send him good morning messages earlier,” Abdullah remarked, attempting to defuse speculation about a breakdown in communication.
Political Context
The BJP-led Union government abrogated the provisions of Article 370 in August 2019, revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and bifurcating the state into two Union territories. While Omar Abdullah has consistently advocated for the restoration of statehood, Mehdi’s stance reflects a broader demand for the reinstatement of the region’s special constitutional provisions.
The ongoing exchange between the two National Conference leaders underscores the internal debate within the party over the priorities for Jammu and Kashmir’s future, amidst the enduring impact of the 2019 decisions.
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