Mon Oct 27 22:40:00 UTC 2025: News Article:
Abdullah and Ruhullah Feud Escalates Ahead of Budgam By-Elections
Srinagar – A public spat has erupted between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament (MP) Aga Syed Ruhullah, highlighting growing rifts within the party less than two weeks before the critical Budgam assembly by-elections.
The disagreement flared after another MP, Mian Altaf, during a television appearance, cautioned Abdullah regarding his statements on sensitive issues like electricity meters and reservation. While Abdullah stated he accepted Altaf’s advice, he vehemently objected to comparisons between Altaf and Ruhullah, dismissing Ruhullah’s criticisms and saying, “The difference between the two is like the ground and sky.”
Ruhullah responded by downplaying the personal conflict and shifting focus to broader concerns within Kashmir. He stated, “The real story is the existential threat to Kashmir. Do they know where our boys are, those who’ve been jailed for years? Do they still remember the promises made to lift our heads again?” He implied the government had lost sight of the people’s needs, suggesting a disconnect between the party’s actions and its promises.
Tensions between Abdullah and Ruhullah have been simmering since the formation of the government in 2024. Ruhullah previously joined a protest against the government’s policies related to reservation. Moreover, Ruhullah, a prominent Shia cleric and influential figure in his hometown of Budgam, has distanced himself from campaigning for the NC in the upcoming by-elections, citing dissatisfaction with the Omar Abdullah government.
The Budgam by-elections are scheduled for November 11th. The absence of Ruhullah’s support poses a significant challenge to the NC’s prospects in a constituency where he commands considerable influence. Following the Chief Minister’s remarks, supporters of Ruhullah took to the streets in Bandipora, demonstrating their loyalty and adding another layer of complexity to the already tense political landscape.
Adding fuel to the fire, NC MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi has publicly called for Ruhullah’s resignation. The escalating feud threatens to further divide the National Conference and complicate its standing in the upcoming elections.
Original Text Summary:
A public disagreement has occurred between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah before the Budgam assembly by-elections. The conflict arose after another MP, Mian Altaf, advised Abdullah to be cautious with his words. Abdullah dismissed comparisons between Altaf and Ruhullah. Ruhullah downplayed the personal conflict and focused on broader issues facing Kashmir, implying that the government had lost sight of its promises. Tensions between Abdullah and Ruhullah have been present since the government’s formation, with Ruhullah previously protesting the government’s policies. Ruhullah, a popular figure in Budgam, is distancing himself from campaigning, citing dissatisfaction with the government. Ruhullah’s supporters protested in response to Abdullah’s remarks, and an NC MLA has called for Ruhullah’s resignation.
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