Anantnag, August 23: National Conference senior leader and Vice President Anantnag, Imran Amin Shah today strongly countered the remarks of Member Parliament Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, stating that political differences within the party should be addressed through established organisational forums rather than being projected as a public confrontation with the leadership.
Shah said that the National Conference has a proud political legacy built on collective leadership, discipline and the sacrifices of generations of workers. “No individual, regardless of his position, can claim a monopoly over the party’s ideology or political mandate. The mandate belongs to the people and to the organisation collectively,” he said.
Responding to the allegation that the party has diluted its position on the constitutional and political rights of Jammu and Kashmir, Shah said such assertions create an unnecessary and misleading narrative. He maintained that the National Conference continues to pursue the interests and aspirations of the people of J&K through democratic and constitutional means.
“Criticism is welcome in a democratic organisation, but repeatedly questioning the party leadership in the public domain is not the way to strengthen the organisation. If there are genuine differences, the appropriate course is to raise them before the competent party forum,” Shah said.
On the issue of electricity tariffs and the government’s election commitments, Shah said that accountability is essential, but political discourse must remain constructive and responsible. “Governance involves complex economic and administrative challenges. Every issue cannot be reduced to a slogan or used as a weapon against the party leadership,” he said.
Imran Shah further stated that the National Conference’s struggle for the rights and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is much larger than any individual political career. “The party has never been the property of one person. Its ideology, history and political legacy belong to its workers and the people of J&K,” he remarked.
He also cautioned against creating divisions within the party at a time when unity is required to address the pressing challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir.
“The people expect us to fight for restoration of statehood, constitutional safeguards, employment, development, reservations and economic opportunities. They do not expect internal political battles to dominate public discourse,” Shah said.
Imran Shah urged all party leaders and workers to maintain organisational discipline and respect the collective decision-making process, while assuring that the National Conference will continue to stand firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
