Srinagar, Aug 31 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Minister and ruling National Conference (NC) leader, Javed Ahmad Dar, on Monday called reports of discord within the party mere ‘rumours’.
“These rumours are spread for TRPs,” the minister told reporters while rejecting reports of differences within the party. He termed the speculation rumours being spread deliberately.
He asserted that there was no disappointment within the party and asked reporters to avoid speculation and rumours. “There is no such thing. No one is disappointed. Our leader is strong and so is his team,” he said.
He said the party would accept any decision taken by its leadership, citing the example of 2012 when eight ministers were asked to take care of party affairs.
“Whatever our leader decides, we are ready to accept it and we should. We have seen this earlier in 2012. Eight ministers were asked to take care of the party and everyone except a few from Jammu division,” he said.
He described the National Conference as a premium and disciplined party. “These are just rumours and speculation for TRP and nothing else. The party is intact,” he said.
On remarks by Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, the minister said he had a cordial relationship with him and described him as a colleague and brother.
The Minister’s assertions notwithstanding, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has in public announced that the NC has not fulfilled promises made to the people and alleged that the demand for statehood by the party leaders was to ensure that the chapter of restoration of Article 370 and 35A remains closed forever.
Ruhullah has said he will resign from both the NC and the Lok Sabha on November 3, the day his father, Aga Syed Mehdi, was killed by terrorists 26 years back.
Ruhullah represents the Srinagar constituency in the Lok Sabha. His ‘hot and cold’ relationship with Omar Abdullah has finally ended in the former deciding to quit the party.
On their part, senior NC leaders, including the party president, Dr Farooq Abdullah, have challenged Ruhullah to fight the elections on his own and win without the NC’s support.
–IANS
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