Larvi, Ruhullah question CM’s leadership; Congress hints at reviewing tie-up with NC
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,DD: Prominent National Conference (NC) and Congress leaders on Sunday voiced serious concerns over the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir government.
Senior NC MPs Mian Altaf Ahmad Larvi and Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi criticising Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s leadership and performance, while Congress leaders warned that their party may reconsider its alliance with the NC if the “current attitude” continues.
Speaking at the 4th Halla Bolle Conclave held at Radisson Collection in Srinagar, NC MP Mian Altaf Ahmad Larvi as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC said that “no meaningful political or administrative progress has taken place in J&K” since the new government took charge.
“There have been no positive steps on political issues in J&K since this government took charge,” Larvi said, adding that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should “introspect and focus on governance rather than rhetoric.”
He cautioned that Kashmir’s political leadership has become consumed by “debates over who aligns with or opposes the BJP,” while public concerns remain unaddressed.
“The Chief Minister should be the one talking about the people’s welfare,” Larvi remarked.
On the issue of unemployment, Larvi criticised the government’s inaction, saying thousands of educated youth, including postgraduates and PhD holders, were losing hope due to the absence of recruitment drives. He further urged the Chief Minister to speak “thoughtfully and with understanding” on issues like smart meter installation and other public grievances.
Echoing these concerns, NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi launched a scathing attack on the Chief Minister, calling his recent remark “I’m not afraid of the people” shocking and contrary to democratic spirit.
“These are the people who elected him, yet he is going against them instead of working for their betterment,” Ruhullah said.
“Before elections, NC promised to restore what was taken from the people, but now, in power, we are compromising and limiting our fight only to statehood,” he added.
Ruhullah said the party had accused others of siding with the BJP before 2024 polls, “but now NC is following the same path.” He also criticised the government’s stance on reservation and smart meter issues, saying NC had “failed to deliver on both political and routine governance promises.”
Adding to the political tension, AICC General Secretary Shahnawaz Chaudhry warned that the Congress party might revisit its alliance with the NC if the situation persists.
“If National Conference continues with its current attitude, Congress will reconsider its alliance,” Chaudhry said, a sentiment echoed by senior Congress leader Irfan Hafiz Lone, who backed his statement during the conclave.
The remarks from all three columns including rulling government’s MP’s, coalition partiners and opposition benches have intensified debate within political circles, reflecting growing unease over governance and unfulfilled promises since the new government assumed office. (KNC)
