Srinagar, October 20 : The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) on Monday urged Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi to support party candidate Agha Syed Mehmood in the Budgam Assembly by-election.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and JKNC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq appealed to Ruhullah to take part in the campaign.
Agha Syed Mehmood, speaking to reporters, said Ruhullah has been closely associated with the National Conference for years. “The party shaped his political career. He is part of the National Conference and there is no reason for him not to campaign,” Mehmood said. He added that Ruhullah’s statements concern party matters, not personal issues.
Despite repeated appeals, Ruhullah opted not to join the campaign. In a statement posted on X, he said, “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. If they cannot comprehend it and be part of it, at least do not drag me and my struggle to this level.”
Following the statement, Ruhullah left for New Delhi by flight. His team issued a public notice warning political parties, campaign workers, and social media users to immediately stop using his photos or videos in connection with the Budgam by-election.
The notice stated that any unauthorized use of Ruhullah’s image for campaigning could lead to legal and disciplinary action.
Earlier in the day, Mehmood filed his nomination papers for the Budgam seat. Omar Abdullah had said the party expects Ruhullah to support the candidate, while Tanvir Sadiq reiterated the appeal to the MP to reconsider his decision.
With Ruhullah absent from the campaign, the NC will carry out election activities without his participation. Party officials said outreach efforts across the constituency will continue to engage voters and communicate the candidate’s platform.
The Budgam Assembly by-election is scheduled for November 11, with counting of votes on November 14.(KNS)
