Dr Farooq Asks Aga Ruhullah to Resign, Seek Fresh Mandate

SRINAGAR, August 25: National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah has asked Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi to resign from the Lok Sabha and seek a fresh mandate from voters if he believes his victory was based on his personal support.Reacting to Ruhullah’s recent public statements, Abdullah said the Srinagar MP was free to raise issues such as the restoration of Article 370 in Parliament, but questioned his approach.“If you think people voted for you, resign and go back to them,” Abdullah said, challenging Ruhullah to test his political support among voters.Dr Farooq Stresses Party DisciplineAbdullah said NC leaders and workers are expected to follow decisions taken by the party, particularly during elections. Referring to the Budgam election, he said party workers could not have been expected to campaign against a candidate officially nominated by the NC.On reports of differences within the National Conference, Abdullah said disagreements are common in political organisations and should not automatically be viewed as a revolt against the leadership.He also maintained that the NC and the government have separate roles, saying he does not want to unnecessarily interfere in the administration as party president.Abdullah Advises Ruhullah to Reconsider His StandWhen asked about Ruhullah’s political direction, Abdullah advised the Srinagar MP to seek guidance from the Quran, while reiterating his view that Ruhullah was currently following the “wrong path.”The remarks come amid growing public discussion over NC internal differences, Aga Ruhullah’s statements, Article 370 and Kashmir politics.