People must lead the way to restore political accountability: MP Aga Ruhullah

Baramulla, Jun 20: Senior National Conference leader and Srinagar Member of Parliament, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Thursday expressed his discontent with the prevailing political scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, urging the people to step forward and play a pivotal role in restoring accountability and ethics in the political system.

Addressing a public gathering in Sopore town on the invitation of members of civil society Sopore, Ruhullah made a call for political reform and active civic participation. “I am not satisfied with the present politics. The situation demands a political awakening, and it is only the people who can bring about sustainable and meaningful change,” he said. He stressed that true reform cannot be left solely in the hands of politicians. “Society must come forward and participate in the change in politics, not just through voting, but by holding political leadership accountable, rejecting opportunistic politics, and promoting ethical governance,” Ruhullah added.

Taking a critical view of shifting priorities in politics, he said, “By changing the goalpost in politics, we cannot achieve the desired outcomes that satisfy our conscience. We need to restore political accountability and ensure that party ideologies are not compromised for power.” He said that the responsibility to initiate this change lies with the public. “Good politics and accountability in the political system are extremely important for the betterment of society. The central figure to conceive this transformation is the people themselves,” he asserted. Touching upon global issues, Ruhullah commented on the ongoing Iran-Israel war, and said, “The way Iran stood up to Israel gives hope that the Zionist occupational project will one day come to an end.”

On the issue of reservation policy, Ruhullah informed that the matter has been sent to the Law Department for review and will be placed before the public within a week's time. Notably, none of the senior members or local representatives from Ruhullah’s party, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), were present at the event, raising eyebrows about intra-party dynamics and support.