Early Times Report
Srinagar, Jan 14: The absence of National Conference (NC) Member Parliament from Central Kashmir, Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, at the high-profile inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel sparked widespread speculations about rift within the ruling party. The tunnel was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and Ruhullah skipping the major event raised many eyebrows. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s trusted lieutenant and advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani, faced questions from reporters during a cultural event in Srinagar regarding Mehdi’s absence. Wani attempted to downplay the situation, stating, “Please do not read too much between the lines. He had prior engagements in South India. He is in Kochi, and that is why he couldn’t attend the ceremony.” Meanwhi Ruhullah skipping the major event has sparked widespread speculations about rift within the ruling party. Please do not read too much between the lines. He had prior engagements in South India. In an interview with Aga Ruhullah had claimed that Kashmiris are worried about Omar Abdullah distancing himself from the people Tensions have been brewing after Mehdi led a protest outside Omar Abdullah’s residence, opposing a controversial reservation policy. e, a Srinagar based news agency quoting a confidant of Mehdi said, “His absence from the Sonamarg Tunnel inauguration has nothing to do with any discord within the party. He was simply fulfilling his responsibilities as a Member of Parliament.” Pertinently, in an interview with Aga Ruhullah had claimed that Kashmiris are worried about Omar Abdullah distancing himself from the people of Jammu & Kashmir and the NC’s mandate. He warned that Abdullah risks being perceived as “Delhi’s representative” in the Valley. Tensions have been brewing since December 23, 2024, when Mehdi led a protest outside Omar Abdullah’s residence, opposing a controversial reservation policy that undermines job opportunities for open merit students. The protest drew opposition groups and student representatives.
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