Politics a vast field, Ruhullah free to express his views; says Speaker

Budgam, Sep 17: Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Wednesday said that politics is a “vast field”, and senior leaders like Member Parliament (MP), Aga Ruhullah Mehdi are free to express their views.

Speaking to media persons in Budgam, Rather, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), responded to Ruhullah’s recent comment that people were asked to vote for Article 370 rather than just statehood.

He said, “Why don’t you ask Ruhullah again? I am here to listen to the grievances of the people and to seek their redressal. Aga Sahab is a senior leader; who can stop him from speaking? He is free to express his views.”

The Speaker further said that if the region had regained statehood earlier. “We wouldn’t be facing such a difficult situation today,” he said.

He, however, expressed hope with optimism, saying, “InshaAllah, that will also come.”

Regarding the current situation on National Highway-44, Rather referred to a video conference held a day earlier between the Chief Minister and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. “We have been assured that within two days, the route will be restored. Mughal Road is already open, and traffic movement on the national highway has resumed,” he said.

The Speaker also assured that the difficulties faced by the horticulture industry due to transport disruptions would be “resolved very soon”.