Aga Ruhullah Responds to Sakina Itoo Over Omar Abdullah Poll Remarks

Srinagar, Sep 12: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has hit back at cabinet colleague Sakina Itoo over her remarks concerning Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's electoral prospects, saying such comments could not have been made in the right perspective.

Reacting to Itoo's remarks, Ruhullah said his position on issues concerning the people of Jammu and Kashmir has always been principled and not guided by electoral considerations.

The Srinagar MP said he has consistently stood for the genuine aspirations and rights of the people and would continue to do so regardless of electoral considerations or political consequences.

Earlier, Health and Education Minister Sakina Itoo had described Ruhullah's protest outside the Chief Minister's residence as a "cheap publicity stunt" and defended the Omar Abdullah-led government.

The exchange has highlighted differences within the National Conference over issues including the reservation policy and the party's response to public grievances.

Ruhullah's latest response marks another development in the ongoing differences between the NC MP and a section of the party leadership.