Srinagar, Jan 8 Former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu has publicly voiced his support for National Conference leader and Member of Parliament Ruhullah Mehdi, who recently come under fire from several colleagues within his own party. The internal criticism follows Ruhullah Mehdi’s protest outside the Gupkar residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, demanding reforms in reservation policies.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mattu condemned the attacks on Mehdi, alleging that they were orchestrated by the party leadership. “Make no mistake about this — every single insult being heaped on Ruhullah Mehdi by his colleagues in NC has been sanctioned from the CM and his team. These aren’t isolated, spontaneous insults but part of a synchronized ‘cutting to size’ operation. No place in NC for a spine,” Mattu wrote, accusing the NC of stifling internal dissent.
The controversy escalated after a video of Omar Abdullah-led government minister Sakina Itoo went viral on social media. In the video, Sakina Itoo criticized the protest staged by Mehdi outside the Chief Minister’s residence, dismissing it as a “cheap publicity stunt” without directly naming him.
Ruhullah Mehdi organized the demonstration to voice concerns over reservation policy, an issue he claims has been overlooked by the party leadership. [KNT]
