“I Was Referring To BJP Candidate, Not Aga Ruhullah,” Says Chowdhary
Srinagar, Oct 21,: Following protests by supporters of Central Kashmir MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi in Bandipora and Budgam, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary on Tuesday issued a clarification, saying his remarks had been misinterpreted and were never directed against the National Conference leader.
Supporters of Aga Ruhullah staged multiple protests, accusing the Deputy Chief Minister of making disparaging comments about their leader. The protesters burned his photographs and raised slogans, warning him not to make statements against Ruhullah.
Responding to the controversy, Deputy Chief Minister Chowdhary said his statement was taken out of context. “There was noise and disruption during my interaction yesterday in Budgam and what I said was completely misunderstood. I was referring to the BJP candidate, not to Aga Ruhullah,” he clarified.
Chowdhary emphasized that he holds no ill will against the National Conference MP. “Aga Ruhullah is a respected leader of the National Conference, and I know him personally. My comment had nothing to do with him,” he said.
Reiterating his position, the Deputy Chief Minister added, “I don’t care about protests being organized against me, but the reality is that I was talking about another Aga, a BJP candidate, and the fact is that I don’t even know him personally.” [KNT]
