Srinagar, Nov 3 (KNS): The ruling National Conference (NC) on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi following his announcement to quit the party and resign as Srinagar MP, accusing him of political opportunism, betrayal and failing to effectively raise issues of special status, statehood and reservation in Parliament.

In a strongly worded statement, the party described Ruhullah's speech as a manifestation of his "mental and moral bankruptcy" and accused him of using derogatory and unparliamentary language against the NC leadership.

The party questioned the timing of his resignation, claiming that Ruhullah had chosen to leave only after being asked to do so by the party president.

Referring to his criticism of the NC's handling of the 2010 unrest, the party said Ruhullah had continued as a minister in 2010 until he was removed during a general reshuffle and subsequently contested the 2014 Assembly elections on an NC ticket.

"He conveniently forgot all about it until 2026, 16 years later," the statement said.

Questioning Ruhullah's parliamentary record, the NC asked why he had not mobilised support among MPs for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special status and statehood.

The party pointed out that Ruhullah had managed to gather signatures of more than 100 MPs for an impeachment motion against Allahabad High Court judge Shekhar Kumar Yadav, but questioned whether he had made similar efforts on Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional rights.

"Can he tell us if he ever made such an effort to gather signatures of MPs for the restoration of special status or statehood?" the statement asked.

It also questioned whether Ruhullah had attempted to introduce a resolution or bill in Parliament on these issues.

The NC accused him of failing to raise concerns over the functioning of the elected government under the Union Territory arrangement, alleging that departments constitutionally falling under the elected administration continued to face interference from the Lieutenant Governor's office.

On reservation, the party acknowledged what it described as a grave injustice to open-merit candidates but maintained that the controversial policy had been introduced during the LG's administration.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

It said the NC had made reservation reforms part of its election manifesto and subsequently constituted a Cabinet subcommittee, which recommended significant changes.

The party alleged that the file concerning these changes had been stalled by the authorities and questioned whether Ruhullah had raised the matter in Parliament or sought an explanation from the Centre.

It further asked why Ruhullah had not organised protests against the LG administration during the six months between his election to Parliament and the formation of the elected government.

The statement also questioned his silence over alleged recruitment irregularities and examinations that, according to the party, had disadvantaged job aspirants from one region.

Defending its political roadmap, the NC asserted that its demand for restoration of statehood did not amount to abandoning the struggle for special status.

"Our thrust on restoration of statehood is not and will never be at the expense of the special status," the statement said.

It maintained that protection of Jammu and Kashmir's identity and constitutional rights remained central to the party's political ideology.

"Reclaiming and repossessing what was taken away from us needs a deft politics, not theatrics," the party said, adding that political theatrics might attract social media attention but would not deliver meaningful results.

In one of its sharpest accusations, the NC alleged that Ruhullah had contributed to the party's defeat in the Budgam Assembly by-election while still remaining associated with it.

The party said his resignation had come too late and accused him of joining forces opposed to the NC's electoral mandate.

"Where was his conscience then? Backstabbing the same party he owed his political existence," the statement said.

The NC also questioned Ruhullah's criticism of the party after spending nearly 25 years in its ranks, during which he served as a three-time legislator, minister and Member of Parliament.

It accused him of displaying "narcissistic conduct" and finding fault with the organisation that had shaped his political career.(KNS)