SRINAGAR: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday took a dig at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, questioning his approach to power and saying that political authority did not necessarily command public respect.
Addressing a gathering in Budgam, Ruhullah challenged Omar Abdullah to visit the area to witness the public’s respect and affection for him.
“If you want to see what real respect looks like, come to Budgam,” he said.
In an apparent reference to the Chief Minister, Ruhullah said those who had secured positions by placing their caps at the feet of the electorate should visit Budgam to understand the meaning of genuine respect and love.
“The chair he occupies may carry authority, but it commands no respect,” he said.
Emphasising that he would not compromise his dignity for political power, Ruhullah said he bowed his head only before Almighty Allah and prayed that he would never have to surrender his self-respect to retain a position.
“I hope I will never sacrifice dignity for power,” he said.
Ruhullah also criticised Omar Abdullah over his position on Article 370, accusing him of taking a U-turn after the Assembly elections out of fear of the BJP.
He further said National Conference president Farooq Abdullah should teach the Quran to his “Na-Ahal” (unworthy) son, referring to Omar Abdullah.
His remarks come amid an escalating political disagreement between Ruhullah and the NC leadership following differences over the party’s electoral commitments and its position on Jammu and Kashmir’s political and constitutional issues.
