Ruhullah Says Omar Govt Yet to Fulfil Political Expectations, Calls for Revocation of PSA on Malik

Srinagar, Oct 11: National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Friday criticised the Omar Abdullah-led Government, saying it has failed to meet public expectations on the political front and has yet to deliver on key commitments made since taking office. Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Ruhullah said the government’s first year in power had raised hopes of meaningful political engagement, but instead, the people have been left disappointed.

“The government has not done what it was expected to do on the political front over the past year,” Ruhullah remarked. “Governance is not about pleasing individuals or managing perceptions; it is about listening to the people, understanding their aspirations, and taking decisive action to address their concerns.” He added that the administration’s focus must shift from rhetoric to real public outreach and confidence-building measures.

Referring to the upcoming Budgam by-election, Ruhullah said he would refrain from commenting on the National Conference candidate until the party makes an official announcement. “I have already conveyed to the leadership what the people of Budgam expect. Their voices must guide our decisions,” he noted, indicating the need for greater grassroots consultation and responsiveness within the party’s decision-making process.

The MP also appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Assembly Speaker to revoke the Public Safety Act (PSA) imposed on Mehraj Malik, a detained legislator from Doda, so that he can attend the forthcoming Assembly session. “Every elected representative has the constitutional right to speak in the Assembly and represent their constituents. Denying that opportunity undermines democratic principles,” Ruhullah asserted.

Turning his attention to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Ruhullah launched a sharp critique of the party’s stance toward Jammu and Kashmir, accusing it of being unwilling to restore the rights and constitutional guarantees taken away from the region. “The BJP has no intention of returning the rights that were unjustly taken from the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Their policies continue to alienate rather than integrate,” he said.