SRINAGAR: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah on Saturday questioned the Jammu and Kashmir government over the non-implementation of the party’s electoral promise of 200 units of free electricity, while asserting that the region’s internal affairs had no role for the United States.
Speaking to reporters, Ruhullah said the National Conference had promised 200 units of free power during the elections but the commitment had not been fulfilled even after two years.
He also referred to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s earlier remarks about electricity meters, saying that while he understood the rationale behind metering, the government should explain the decision to raise electricity tariffs instead of delivering the promised free power.
“Instead of giving 200 units for free, nearly seven percent is being increased,” Ruhullah said.
The NC MP also defended his continued association with the party while questioning its leadership and some workers who, he said, criticised him whenever he raised issues concerning the government.
Responding to those asking why he had not resigned from the party, Ruhullah said his primary accountability was to the people who had placed their trust in him.
He said his political standing was based on public support rather than his association with any particular party, adding that his position would remain dependent on the trust of the people whether he remained within or outside the National Conference.
Ruhullah also criticised what he described as the party leadership’s “arrogance”, warning that such an approach could damage the NC.
Turning to the recent visit of US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor to Jammu and Kashmir, Ruhullah questioned Washington’s interest in the region’s affairs and maintained that matters concerning JK were internal.
“This is our internal matter. America has nothing to do with this,” he said.
Ruhullah also questioned whether Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had raised with Gor issues concerning US policies and military actions in Palestine, Gaza, Iran, Yemen and Lebanon during the envoy’s interaction in JK.
He said the Chief Minister should have questioned the ambassador about civilian deaths and conflicts in those regions rather than allowing discussions on JK that, in his view, suggested a US role in the Union Territory’s internal affairs.
“Is the situation here good or not? It has nothing to do with America,” Ruhullah said.
