J&K deputy CM eats his words about MP Ruhullah despite protests

J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary had to eat his words on Tuesday (October 21, 2025) despite the protests by the supporters of National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament (MP) Aga Syed Ruhullah, a day after the former’s backhanded comments against the MP.

“The misunderstanding arose due to the crowds and noise at the meeting, which led to confusion over who was referred to in the comment. I have great respect for Aga Syed Ruhullah,” Mr Choudhary said.

On Monday (October 20), Mr Choudhary, while speaking on the occasion of NC candidate Agha Syed Mehmood’s nomination for the Budgam Assembly by-poll, said, “He did not know any Aga other than Mehmood. Who is he (Ruhullah)?”

There is a growing isolation of Mr Ruhullah within the NC’s top leadership, following the former’s public stand on issues such as “reservation policy, arrested youth and the party’s unfulfilled manifesto”.

In Bandipora in north Kashmir, dozens of NC supporters took to the streets against Mr Choudhary on Tuesday.

“We will not tolerate any insult against Aga Ruhullah. He is our pride. Any disrespect towards our leader is unacceptable. Any attempt to denigrate him will invite a sharp reaction,” pro-Ruhullah protesters said, raising anti-Choudhary slogans in Sonawari area of ​​Bandipora.

The protesters demanded a public apology from Mr Choudhary for his comments against fellow party member and MP Ruhullah, who has decided not to campaign for the party in the upcoming by-elections.

Mr Ruhullah left for New Delhi after posting a statement on X. “My loyalty is to my conscience and principles. While I have respect for my elders in my family, I request them not to belittle my struggle (our struggle). If they cannot understand it and cannot be a part of it, then at least do not drag me and my struggle to this level,” Mr Ruhullah said while referring to the demands of some party leaders to join the campaign.