Will not remain silent if situation doesn’t change, Ruhulla to NC

National Conference MP from Srinagar, Syed Aga Ruhulla, who stayed away from campaigning during the Budgam Assembly bypoll, said on Sunday that while he remained silent during the elections, he will speak out if the situation does not improve.

Ruhulla, who has represented the Budgam constituency thrice, has emerged as one of the party’s sharpest critics recently. Experts believe his absence may have contributed to the party’s loss to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Addressing his supporters for the first time after the bypoll result, the Srinagar MP said people have expressed their mandate. “I only remained silent during this election. I did not campaign. If anyone asked me, I said the situation is before you to vote as you see fit,” he said.

Ruhulla added that “time is still left for introspection,” urging the party to review its performance over the past year in power and “return to its true path.”

He reiterated, “Right now, I only remained silent, but if the betrayal of the people’s mandate continues, I will have to speak.”

Commenting on the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remark that Ruhulla had “politically committed suicide,” the MP dismissed it as trivial. “Suicide, party, etc.—these are childish conversations. He is still thinking about what I will do in 2029—whether I will become an MLA or not. Does he think our fight is about winning elections? Laughable. Who wants to be an MLA? I refused the Union Territory Assembly in 2024,” Ruhulla said.