Srinagar, October 14, 2025 : National Conference (NC) MP Ruhullah Mehdi on Saturday criticized the Omar Abdullah-led government in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it has “failed on the political front” as it nears completion of one year in office.
Speaking to reporters, the Srinagar MP—known for his candid stance within the party—said, “The government is about to complete a year in office. Whatever was needed to be done on the political front has not happened. There was a need to show intent, but I personally feel that has not been shown till now.”
Mehdi emphasized that public satisfaction must be the true measure of governance. “If people are satisfied, I am satisfied. If people ask questions, those should be heard seriously. The government should introspect on where the lacuna lies,” he said.
On the issue of statehood restoration, Mehdi accused the BJP of deliberately keeping J&K disempowered. “The BJP has no intention of restoring the rights snatched from the people. They want people to remain disempowered,” he asserted.
Asked about the upcoming Budgam bypolls, the three-time former MLA said he had conveyed the public sentiment to the party leadership. “I have spoken to the people of Budgam and shared their aspirations with the party. I’ll talk about it in detail in a few days,” he said.
Mehdi also urged the government and the Assembly Speaker to revoke the Public Safety Act (PSA) against AAP MLA Mehraj Malik, detained since September 8 for allegedly disturbing public order in Doda district.
“If he has made some mistake, other laws exist. PSA is not relevant here. The government and the Speaker should make efforts to ensure that Malik attends the upcoming Assembly session,” he said.
