Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 16: Member of Parliament from Srinagar and senior National Conference (NC) leader, Syed Agha Ruhullah Mehdi, said today that the new Government has to fight for the restoration of the rights “snatched” by the BJP-led Government, apart from ensuring effective governance.
Speaking to reporters after the swearing-in ceremony of Omar Abdullah as the first Chief Minister of J&K as a Union Territory, along with five other Ministers, Ruhullah emphasized that the alliance partner, Congress, is “very much part of the Government.”
The MP emphasized that the new Government would also need to play the role of an opposition in combating the policies of the BJP Government, which he said had caused significant damage to J&K.
“It will have to resist the policies of the BJP and reclaim the rights that were undermined through the abrogation of Article 370 and the removal of J&K’s special status. The Government must deliver on governance while also fighting for the restoration of those rights,” he said.
He said that living up to the expectations of the people would be the Government’s major challenge. “The challenge will be to meet the expectations of the people in terms of governance while also fulfilling their political aspirations,” he said.
When asked about reports of differences within the party, Ruhullah dismissed the rumors, stating, “I do not have any answers to rumors.”
Regarding the Congress’ decision not to join the new Government’s cabinet, the MP acknowledged that it was an internal decision but stressed that the Government would work alongside its alliance partners.
“We will achieve the objectives we presented to the people during the elections. Even if Congress is not in the cabinet, they are very much part of the Government,” he said.
In response to Congress leader G.A. Mir’s statement that they would not join the cabinet until Statehood for J&K is restored, Ruhullah said, “That is their internal matter and decision, and we will not interfere. They are with us as long as the objectives for the State remain aligned.”
He further noted that it would be in the best interest of the India Alliance and other democratic forces to work toward the return of the “secular idea of India” and the democratic values, which he said are the foundation of the country.
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