Omar Abdullah, party MP Ruhullah engage in war of words

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his party’s National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament (MP) Agha Syed Ruhullah engaged in a war of words on Monday; as the differences between the two are growing ahead of the Budgam assembly by-elections, also Ruhullah’s hometown.

A fresh war of words flared up after another Member of Parliament (MP) Mian Altaf, during a television debate, asked Mr. Abdullah to choose his words carefully on issues such as electricity meters and reservation.

“I spoke to Mian Altaf Sahib. He (MP) clarified that he did not say what was said in the media. He only advised me to speak patiently and carefully when it comes to the CM’s position. I accept the advice of my senior colleague just like I did when my father gave similar advice,” Omar said.

However, Mr Abdulah was angered by recent references to MP Ruhullah’s criticism of him. Mr. Abdullah said, “Why are you comparing Mian Sahib with him? The difference between the two is like heaven and earth. Please don’t talk about him (MP Ruhullah).”

Ruhullah responded

Mr. Ruhullah responded stingily, saying it was “unfortunate to see the conversation reduced to personal attacks.”

MP Ruhullah said, “I am not the story here, Ruhullah is just a name. The real story is the existential threat to Kashmir. Do they know where our children who have been in prison for years are? Do they still remember the promises made to raise our heads? We did not fight to decorate dictators with shawls and bouquets. We fought to do right by our people.”

The duo of Abdullah Bey and Ruhullah Bey have been at odds with each other since the government was established in 2024. It all started last year when MP Ruhullah took part in a protest over reservation issues at the Prime Minister’s residence in Srinagar. The two have criticized each other ever since.

Mr Ruhullah has publicly stayed away from campaigning on behalf of the party in the upcoming by-elections of Budgam seat. Mr Ruhullah, an influential Shiite cleric, hails from Budgam and remains a popular figure among voters in his district. Budgam by-elections are scheduled to be held on November 11. Mr. Ruhullah said that he was not satisfied with the performance of Omar Abdullah’s government.

NC MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi asked MP Ruhullah to resign.

Meanwhile, after the Prime Minister’s statements, many MP Ruhullah supporters took to the streets in Bandipora.