| Early Times Report
Jammu, Jan 25: In a politically significant development ahead of the upcoming Budgam by-election, the National Conference (NC) has initiated steps to reconcile with its senior leader and Lok Sabha member from Srinagar, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi.
The move comes in the aftermath of Mehdi’s open disagreement with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on key issues, including the existing reservation rules, statehood, and Article 370.
Mehdi had recently led a protest outside the residence of Omar Abdullah, expressing discontent over the reservation policy and other matters. Following this, Mehdi maintained a conspicuous silence, abstaining from several official functions, including the high-profile inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel.
Recognizing the potential political fallout, senior NC leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary and the Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, held a closed-door meeting with Mehdi.
According to reliable sources, the meeting was part of a broader strategy to ensure party unity and secure Mehdi’s support for the Budgam by-el... |