Srinagar, Jul 15 (KNO): "The restoration of statehood is the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) agenda. The real aspiration of the people of Jammu and Kashmir remains the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, along with constitutional safeguards for land, jobs and identity," Member of Parliament (MP), Srinagar, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi said on Wednesday.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), speaking to reporters after addressing a gathering in Bijbehara area of Anantnag district, Ruhullah dismissed reports suggesting that he was planning to float a new political party, terming such claims as baseless rumours.
"If I ever have to form a political party, I will announce it myself. There is no question of doing it secretly or through rumours," he said.
The MP said there was no immediate need for new political formations if sincere and committed leaders within existing political parties began advocating for the real concerns of the people.
"We do not need to create new parties if the right people, irrespective of religion, come forward within the existing political parties and speak honestly about the rights and aspirations of the people. Unless that happens, these issues will continue to persist," he said.
Ruhullah urged media organisations and journalists to verify facts before publishing or circulating unverified reports. "Responsible and fact-based journalism is essential in maintaining public trust," he said.
Launching a sharp attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Mehdi recalled that during the Assembly election campaign, Omar had accused those speaking only about statehood of acting as "agents of the BJP".
"The Chief Minister is now himself focusing only on the restoration of statehood while remaining silent on other commitments made to the people," he said.
Ruhullah alleged that the demand for statehood alone was insufficient and accused the government of ignoring the larger issues concerning the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
"The people did not vote only for statehood. They voted for promises related to the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, protection of land and jobs, and constitutional guarantees. Those issues cannot simply be ignored," he said.
The Member Parliament also claimed that the demand for statehood appeared to be driven by a desire to restore administrative authority rather than address the concerns of the people.
"What people need today is protection of their rights. Statehood alone cannot fulfil the promises that were made to the people," he said.
Calling on people across communities to raise their voices for justice and constitutional rights, Mehdi said he was ready to bear any consequences for speaking on behalf of the people. "People themselves must speak for their rights. I will be the first person to face any consequences for raising these issues," he said.
Reiterating his commitment, the MP said he would continue to raise the voice of the people and fight for their rights, irrespective of political consequences.
Ruhullah addressed the gathering at the residence of Sajad Mufti, a former IFS officer and the cousin of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti. Religious scholar Dr Sameer Shafi Siddiqui, another relative of Mehbooba Mufti, also addressed the gathering—(KNO)