Srinagar, Dec 29: National Conference senior leader and Rajya Sabha member Chaudhary Mohammad Ramzan on Monday said that Aga Ruhullah Mehdi’s comments reflect a different approach to issues, not opposition to the National Conference, and said they continue to meet regularly during Parliament sessions.
Speaking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Ramzan said internal debate should not be seen as disloyalty. “Aga Ruhullah and the chief minister Omar Abdullah have different approaches to solving issues,” he said. “This difference in modus operandi does not mean he (Aga Ruhullah) is against the National Conference. If he were against the party, he would have resigned.”
He added that they often discuss parliamentary issues together. “We met in the Parliament and shared ideas almost every day. He is a young leader with passion. He has to play a long political inning. May Allah give him good health and help him fulfil his aspirations”, Chaudhary said.
On administrative powers in the Union Territory, Chaudhary said the elected government still does not have full authority. He added that most powers remain with the Lieutenant Governor (LG) office, and that clear business rules are needed to define the roles of the LG, the cabinet, and elected representatives.
“We raised this issue in the Parliament, asking what was the purpose of elections if the elected government and MLAs still don’t have powers,” he said.
Responding to questions about CM Omar praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chaudhary said the Prime Minister’s position naturally invites respect.
Chaudhary said that the elected government received a strong mandate, but full powers promised after delimitation are yet to be restored. “Delimitation has happened, elections were held, but statehood has not been restored yet. This is our biggest priority,” he said.
On the issue of violence and attacks on Kashmiri residents outside the UT, Chaudhary condemned mistreatment of J&K youth and workers. He said the Home Minister Amit Shah has instructed all state administrations to ensure fair and respectful treatment to people from Jammu and Kashmir, and that action has already begun against those involved in violence.
Talking about J&K prisoners lodged outside the UT, Chaudhary said many are held in minor cases without proper facilities. He said the Home Minister assured legal assistance, medical support, and family access for such prisoners.
Regarding reservation, the NC leader Chaudhary said his party supports it and had included it in their manifesto. He said a Cabinet Sub-Committee submitted its report under Supreme Court guidelines. “The UT cabinet approved it and sent it to the Lieutenant Governor. Once signed, reservation will be implemented,” he said.