NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 24(NVI) : National Conference leader and MLA Hazratbal, Salman Ali Sagar, today sharply criticized the protest led by the party’s Member of Parliament from Srinagar, Aga Ruhullah, over the reservation policy issue, calling it “drama and a distraction.”
The protest, which attracted several opposition leaders and legislators yesterday outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s Srinagar residence has sparked a rift within the party.
Speaking to reporters at the NC headquarters in Srinagar, Salman Sagar said that while Aga Ruhullah’s protest may reflect his personal opinion, it did not represent the official stance of the National Conference. “If the MP believes he can do this, it is his individual decision, but this was not a party-driven initiative,” he said.
Sagar pointed out that protests are only organized by the party under the guidance of senior leaders such as Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, or through the general secretary’s office. “Such actions must be approved by the leadership. What occurred yesterday was a personal action and not a National Conference event,” he clarified.
The MLA also criticized the protest for offering a platform to the party’s rivals. “It was a gathering of our political adversaries, giving them a chance to exploit the situation,” Sagar said. “Yesterday’s protest was a drama and a distraction.”
He warned that such actions only played into the hands of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political rivals.
While expressing support for the students’ concerns, Sagar insisted that the NC remains committed to addressing the grievances of the open merit category. “I stand with the students of the open merit category and believe their issues should be addressed based on their population percentage. However, we will not allow political maneuvering on this matter,” he said.
Sagar also condemned what he described as political opportunism, pointing out that those with no mandate or public support were using the protest to advance their own agendas. “People who have been rejected by the public, with huge margins, were speaking on behalf of thousands. This undermines genuine efforts,” he added.
The incident has raised concerns about the impact on the National Conference’s unity and credibility. “The party is strong and these small incidents won’t shake us. But such actions create unnecessary divisions within,” Sagar concluded, expressing confidence that under Omar Abdullah’s leadership, the party would continue to address the issues surrounding the reservation policy.( News Vibes of India)
