Srinagar, Nov 04 (KNO): National Conference (NC) MLA Salman Ali Sagar on Wednesday said the BJP had succeeded in its “Operation Lotus” by pushing Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi out of the party, while asserting that the development would not weaken the NC.
Addressing a joint press conference along with Banihal MLA Sajad Shaheen at the party headquarters, Nawai Subah, Salam Sagar said Ruhullah had every democratic right to question the party leadership and express disagreement, but should have raised his grievances through the party’s internal forums.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Sagar said the National Conference is a democratic organisation where every member had the right to speak, raise questions and take independent decisions.
However, he said the language used by Ruhullah against the party leadership was unfortunate.
“I feel the BJP has succeeded in its Operation Lotus, particularly in pushing Aga Ruhullah Sahib out of the National Conference,” he said.
Sagar said the BJP had been attempting to weaken the National Conference for a long time and claimed that the latest developments had served the party’s political interests in Kashmir.
He said the BJP’s political gains in Jammu and the developments surrounding Ruhullah’s decision needed to be viewed in a wider political context, adding that the situation had helped the BJP advance its political agenda in the Valley.
Questioning Ruhullah’s engagement with the party, Sagar said the MP had not regularly visited the party headquarters or attended meetings. He said Ruhullah should have taken the initiative to engage with MLAs and other party stakeholders before taking such a major decision.
He said that differences could have been resolved through dialogue and questioned whether Ruhullah had adequately reached out to the party legislator’s before making his decision.
Rejecting suggestions that the developments reflected any weakness within the NC, Sagar said the party’s strength rested on its collective leadership and the mandate given by the people, rather than any individual.
He said people had brought the National Conference to power to prevent the political disempowerment of a community and not because of any one leader.
Referring to the party’s stand on Articles 370 and 35A, Sagar maintained that the NC’s core political position remained unchanged and should not be linked to differences involving an individual leader.
He said the claims of political popularity and public support would ultimately be tested in future elections, adding that no individual could claim to be the sole representative of the people.
Sagar also referred to the party’s historical legacy, saying the sacrifices of martyrs should not be used for political purposes. He questioned the efforts made by Ruhullah to remember and honour the martyrs, including those associated with July 13.
He further said that the developments could be the result of an ego clash, adding that the coming days would reveal more about the circumstances that led to the differences.
Meanwhile, Sajad Shaheen termed the developments unfortunate, saying every individual had the democratic right to take independent decisions. He expressed concern over the manner in which the episode had unfolded.
Both leaders said the National Conference remained strong and that the party’s political future and strength could not be determined by the decision of any one individual—(KNO)