NC MP Ruhullah seeks apology from Arvind Kejriwal for supporting BJP in Article 370 abrogation

Srinagar: Senior National Conference (NC) leader and Member of Parliament from Srinagar Aga Ruhullah Mehdi Tuesday asked the former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal to apologise to the people of Jammu and Kashmir for supporting the BJP in 2019 when the Center abrogated erstwhile state’s special status under Article 370 and reorganized the state into two union territories.

Mehdi’s remarks came in response to Kejriwal's suggestion that Chief Minister-designate Omar Abdullah should consult him if he faces challenges in managing what he referred to as a "half-state."

“Kejriwal is part of the INDIA bloc, but he must remember that J&K is suffering. Before advising us on governance, he should reflect and apologize to the people of J&K. We will respect his role in the alliance,” Mehdi said.

He expressed hope that Kejriwal has recognized the severity of the decisions made in August 2019. "I expect him to be a constructive partner in rebuilding the nation and empowering the people of Jammu and Kashmir," the NC MP added.

In a separate development, Mehdi's spokesperson dismissed rumors about his resignation from the National Conference. Speculation arose after a social media post suggested rifts between Mehdi and party vice president Omar Abdullah over comments related to Article 370.

“The rumors about Aga Ruhullah Mehdi resigning from the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference are completely unfounded. I urge everyone to refrain from spreading such misinformation," the spokesperson clarified.