Aga Ruhullah, CM Omar differ in approach, not objective: Chaudhary Ramzan

Srinagar, Dec 29 : National Conference leader and Rajya Sabha member Chaudhary Muhammad Ramzan on Monday said that remarks made by party MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi reflect a difference in approach rather than any defiance of the National Conference, asserting that internal debate should not be misconstrued as disloyalty.

Speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Ramzan said Aga Ruhullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah share the same political objectives but may differ in methods. “Aga and the Chief Minister have different approaches to addressing issues. This does not mean he is opposed to the party. Had that been the case, he would have resigned,” he said.

Ramzan said he and Aga Ruhullah remain in regular contact, particularly during Parliament sessions. “We meet frequently and exchange views almost every day. He is a young and passionate leader with a long political journey ahead. May Allah grant him health and help him realise his aspirations,” he added.

On governance in Jammu and Kashmir, Ramzan said the elected government still lacks full administrative authority, with most powers remaining with the Lieutenant Governor’s office. He stressed the need for clearly defined business rules to demarcate the domains of the LG, the cabinet, and elected representatives.

“We have raised this issue in Parliament, questioning the purpose of elections if elected representatives and the government continue to function without real powers,” he said.

Commenting on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ramzan said the Prime Minister’s constitutional position naturally commands respect.

Ramzan further said that while elections were conducted following delimitation, the promised restoration of statehood remains pending. “Statehood restoration is our foremost political demand. The people gave a strong mandate, but full powers are yet to be restored,” he said.

On incidents of violence against Kashmiri residents outside the Union Territory, Ramzan condemned the targeting of J&K youth and workers, saying it was wrong to brand every Kashmiri Muslim as a terror suspect. He said the Union Home Minister has instructed all state governments to ensure the safety and dignity of people from Jammu and Kashmir, adding that action has already been initiated in several cases.

Addressing the issue of J&K prisoners lodged outside the UT, Ramzan said many are incarcerated in minor cases and lack adequate facilities. He said the Home Minister has assured legal aid, medical care, and family access for such prisoners.

On reservation, Ramzan said the National Conference supports the policy and had committed to it in its election manifesto. He said the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted under Supreme Court guidelines has submitted its report, which has been approved by the UT cabinet and forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor. “Once the LG gives assent, the reservation policy will be implemented,” he added.(KNS)