Srinagar, Oct 20 (KNS): Hours after National Conference candidate for Budgam Assembly constituency Agha Syed Mehmood expressed confidence that Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi would join the party’s election campaign, Ruhullah distanced himself, asserting that his allegiance lies with his “conscience and principles.”

While filing his nomination, Agha Mehmood told reporters that Ruhullah had no reason to remain detached from the campaign.

“It’s the National Conference that made him what he is today. His role is important. I believe he will definitely come forward,” Mehmood said. He added that he is in regular contact with Ruhullah. “Politics aside, he’s like my own son. We have been continuously talking to each other,” he said.

He further said Ruhullah’s past statements were aligned with party positions. “What he talks about are not his personal matters but the issues of the party. Whether it’s Article 370, Article 35A or reservation, these are National Conference issues,” he maintained.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to him, there was “no reason” for the Srinagar MP to stay away from campaigning.

Ruhullah issued a pointed response through a post on X. “My loyalty is to my conscience and principles. While I hold respect for my elders in my family, I request them not to belittle my fight (our fight). If they can’t comprehend it and be part of it, at least don’t drag me and my struggle to this level,” he wrote.

Speaking to KNS, the Srinagar MP said that he would “strictly not be part of the campaigning” as the party has yet to fulfil the promises it made.

He also denied Agha Mehmood’s assertion of being in contact, saying he was not taken into confidence during any deliberations regarding the Budgam bypoll.

The Budgam seat, a traditional NC bastion, is expected to witness a closely watched contest.(KNS)