Says proposed movement will not depend on established political leaders; rules out fixed timeline for its future course of action
SRINAGAR, NOV 3: Former National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday said the public response to the gathering held in connection with his resignation from the party and the Lok Sabha had exceeded his expectations, asserting that people had assembled voluntarily in support of principled politics rather than for positions of power.
Speaking to reporters after the gathering, Ruhullah said people from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Jammu, Kashmir, Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar and Kupwara, had participated by spending their own time and money.
“Alhamdulillah, the gathering was much larger than I had expected. These people had not come to celebrate anyone occupying a position or to secure a chair. Nobody had paid them to attend, nor had any party cadre brought them here. They came voluntarily, spending their own money and time,” he said.
He said the participation reflected public support for politics based on principles, adding that his decision to resign was driven by his commitment to those principles rather than any desire to secure a position.
Ruhullah said he had already elaborated on his future course of action during his address and would provide further details in the coming days.
On the proposed political movement and efforts to mobilise people across Jammu and Kashmir, he said the process could take either less or more time, depending on the willingness of people to come forward. However, he maintained that such an initiative should not be restricted by a fixed timeline.
“If people demonstrate the same determination and intention that they showed today, the work will become easier. It may take more time or less time, but such a movement should not be measured by a fixed timeline. One must continue working towards the objective rather than counting months or years,” he said.
He added that the process would become easier once suitable people were identified to take the initiative forward.
Ruhullah also ruled out depending on established political leaders whom he accused of carrying the baggage of having contributed to the injustices faced by Jammu and Kashmir.
“Those who have baggage and have been responsible for injustices against this region cannot be part of this effort. They cannot contribute to this objective,” he said.
However, he said individuals with political experience could come forward if they were willing to make a fresh beginning by relinquishing their positions and organisational affiliations and approaching people at the grassroots level.
He said the people would ultimately decide whether such individuals deserved a role in the proposed initiative.
Calling upon young people and elderly citizens to take responsibility, Ruhullah said the proposed movement should emerge from ordinary people rather than remain dependent on established political figures.
“There are thousands of young people who can take up this responsibility. Nobody has been given a birth certificate by God declaring that only they are entitled to do this work. You can do it too,” he said.
He asserted that the proposed initiative would be driven by people willing to work towards its objectives and would not remain dependent on established political leaders or their organisations.
