Srinagar, July 16, KNT: Hours after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah remarked that some people visiting the residence of late National Conference leader Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal had chosen to indulge in politics outside the mourning venue, party Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Thursday defended his remarks, saying speaking about the hardships faced by the people could not be separated from public life.
Although Ruhullah did not directly name the Chief Minister, his response came amid growing discussion over Omar Abdullah’s observations following the funeral of Dr Mustafa Kamal, where he had suggested that some visitors had used the occasion to make political statements.
Addressing people in Branwar Budgam, Ruhullah said he respected the grief of the bereaved family and would apologise if highlighting public issues was viewed as inappropriate during the mourning period.
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“If speaking about the problems of the people is considered politics, then I apologise. They are mourning the loss of a family member, but what about the common people who have been mourning their fate for decades?” he said.
The Srinagar MP argued that the everyday concerns of the people deserved equal attention, saying large sections of society continued to struggle with unemployment, poor infrastructure, high electricity tariffs and mounting living costs.
He questioned how families with modest incomes could meet rising household expenses, asking how a person earning only a few thousand rupees a month could afford electricity bills, children’s education, medicines and food.
Ruhullah said the government should focus on fulfilling the commitments it made to the people and take concrete measures to ease their financial burden instead of allowing public grievances to remain unaddressed.
The MP also appealed to young people to take an active role in politics rather than becoming “blind supporters” of political parties.
“I appeal to the younger generation not to become pawns or blind supporters. Enter politics yourselves and provide leadership. Do not allow yourselves to be remembered only at the time of elections,” he said.
Without naming any individual or party, Ruhullah alleged that those who question governments or speak uncomfortable truths are often branded as traitors.
He maintained that he would continue to raise issues affecting the public, saying public representatives remain accountable before the people as well as before God. [KNT]
