Demands overhaul of governance system
By: Waris Fayaz
Sopore, Jun 20: Senior National Conference (NC) leader and Member Parliament (MP), Srinagar, Aga Syed Aga Ruhullah on Friday hinted at the formation of a new political front focused on “credibility, accountability and structural reform”.
Speaking at a public gathering at Dak Bungalow in Sopore, the MP said he doesn’t want power, but a “politics of conscience”. “I am looking for those people who will walk with me to bring accountability to the system and those who will stand for credibility,” he said
Rejecting the idea that his politics is about seeking power or position, Ruhullah said, “If it was about power, the people in Sopore would have known me years ago. Neither do I want a chair nor a position. All I want is change — a change that matters”.
“I’m in Parliament by force, from the party side as well. I don’t need positions, I don’t need chairs. No, not at all”, he said, adding, “What Jammu and Kashmir truly needs is not political cosmetics but a comprehensive structural change, one where God, truth, and accountability take precedence over party structures and personal gain.”
In a blistering critique of current political culture, the Parliamentarian said, “Party discipline is not important, but being independent and free is more important.”
He questioned the blind loyalty many leaders show to political parties, “even at the cost of ethics and truth”. “People here fear violating party lines more than they fear God. They are more concerned with safeguarding their own privileges than with doing what is right”, he said.
Citing a reference to the Quran, he said, “Where is it written that you can hurt God but not the party? There’s a need for deep introspection. Why are we one before elections and completely different after them?”
Ruhullah, during his 50-minute speech, called for a transformation that goes beyond political faces or party labels. “Even if you change parties and leaders, nothing will improve unless the structure itself is changed. What we need is a society where the product is justice, equality, prosperity, divinity and freedom,” he said.
He asserted that true reform would require “God-conscious and morally upright” individuals who are unafraid to challenge not just local institutions but also power structures at the Centre, Pakistan or anywhere else.
“Only those with self-consciousness and freedom can truly stand for the people. Otherwise, anyone can bow before any power to serve their own interests,” he said.
Wrapping up his speech, the MP made it clear that his mission is not electoral, but transformational. “I envision a political framework where values outweigh vote banks, and where accountability and conscience form the bedrock of public leadership,” he said. “For that purpose, if we can make anything, I am always there.”
It is noteworthy that the complete absence of the National Conference’s Sopore unit has fueled strong speculation of a possible realignment or breakaway political movement. This has deepened speculation about his growing disconnect from the party establishment.
Responding to this issue, Ruhullah clarified that his presence was purely based on an invitation extended by civil society members, not linked to any political agenda. “If someone invites me, should I ask them whether they’ve voted or if they are with the party?” he said.
When specifically asked about the absence of NC members, the MP bluntly said, “I don’t care”. He added, “Even if it were my own party, I wouldn’t have forced them to come. It’s their own choice.”
He called for a complete structural and moral transformation of Jammu and Kashmir’s governance, saying the quality of politics has deteriorated.
Speaking to reporters in Sopore, Ruhullah expressed deep dissatisfaction with the current political climate, saying, “I am not satisfied at all.”
“It’s not just about dismantling or replacing political organisations. It is about transforming the very quality of the state and governance. Without this, mere reshuffling of parties or leaders is meaningless”, he said.
Responding to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, the MP condemned what he termed a colonial project of the West led by the Zionist regime, warning that the war poses a grave threat to global peace. “It’s not only the Muslim world, but the entire free world, those who believe in freedom and independence, that is concerned,” he said.
Citing repeated aggression in Gaza, Yemen and Lebanon, Ruhullah said the expansion of conflict into Iran reflects a broader pattern of Western-backed oppression. He asserted that people in Kashmir, too, are watching the developments with deep concern, standing in solidarity against what he described as “Zionist terrorism and injustice”.
Expressing hope, he added, “I hope this response from Iran brings an end to this occupational and colonial project, so that peace returns to the entire region.”
On the issue of reservation, the MP said there is a need for open and time-bound discussion. “There should be a discussion,” he said, adding that even if the matter is referred to the law department, it should not be dragged on indefinitely. “It should be concluded within a week’s time,” he asserted.
Mehdi reiterated his call for civil society participation in political reform. “Even if a party changes, it won’t matter unless politics changes. This drama will go on otherwise,” he warned. He called on the people of Kashmir to stand for reform. (KNO)
MP Ruhullah hints at new political front
