New Delhi, Feb 3, 2025 – National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi has called for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s pre-1953 status, arguing that mere statehood is not enough. Speaking in Parliament in response to the President’s address, Ruhullah also criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for failing to mention the plight of Muslims in his speech.
“Rahul Gandhi spoke about AI, OBCs, and backward classes but forgot Muslims. Are Muslims only meant to be frightened by the BJP for votes? I want to make it clear that Muslims are not afraid of anyone,” he said.
Ruhullah argued that the abrogation of Article 370 was misleading and unnecessary, noting that J&K held elections even when the provision was in force. He cited statistical data to claim that J&K had better human development indicators before its special status was revoked, ranking sixth in the Human Development Index (HDI) with a score of 0.712—higher than BJP-ruled states like Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
He further highlighted that before the abrogation of Article 370, J&K had a higher life expectancy (73.5 years) and a better gross enrollment ratio in higher education (30.9%) compared to states like Gujarat, UP, and Bihar.
Ruhullah’s remarks have intensified the ongoing debate over J&K’s political future, with calls growing for a broader discussion on autonomy and governance in the region.