National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah is facing intense criticism after condemning the recent horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where Hindu tourists were reportedly targeted based on their religion—despite having previously made controversial remarks describing the growing influx of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir as a “cultural invasion.”
On 22 April 2025, Ruhullah also took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to condemn the Pahalgam attack, stating, “Strongly condemn the barbaric attack on tourists and locals in Baisaran, Pahalgam. Such acts of mindless violence are an affront to our shared humanity and stain the conscience of our society. Kashmir has always opened its arms to guests. Those who seek to poison this bond only betray the values we hold dear.”
Strongly condemn the barbaric attack on tourists and locals in Baisaran, Pahalgam. Such acts of mindless violence are an affront to our shared humanity and stain the conscience of our society. Kashmir has always opened its arms to guests. Those who seek to poison this bond only…
— Office of Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi (@Office_ASRM) April 22, 2025
However, in a previous interview with a YouTube channel, “Nous Network“, National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah stated, “What is happening right now, which they call tourism. In my view it is not tourism. In my view this is a cultural invasion by purpose and design.”
Ruhullah’s past remarks—labeling tourism in Jammu and Kashmir as a “cultural invasion”—along with recent terrorist attack on tourists, have drawn sharp criticism from the BJP. The party’s national IT cell chief, Amit Malviya, strongly rebuked the MP, posting on social media: “Sit down, Ruhullah.” Malviya referenced Ruhullah’s recent interviews, accusing him of downplaying the importance of tourism and issuing veiled threats that eerily echoed the tragic exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s.
Sit down, Ruhullah. https://t.co/Bqm2dU3cDT pic.twitter.com/Weyt4XA2uU
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) April 22, 2025
In yet another interview—this time with Pro-Congress Propaganda Outlet The Wire’s journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani—National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi reignited controversy by firmly reiterating his opposition to the abrogation of Article 370. His unwavering position on the issue has drawn renewed criticism, especially given that many now consider the matter politically settled and largely absent from the national agenda. Critics argue that continuing to raise it only stirs unnecessary debate.
When asked why he persists in challenging the removal of Article 370, Ruhullah defended his position by pointing out that even the Supreme Court, in three separate rulings in the past, had upheld the Article as a permanent feature of the Constitution. “If three judgments weren’t enough to convince the BJP to drop the issue, then a single verdict now isn’t going to make us give up either,” he said.
He further argued that India’s federal framework must be strengthened, advocating for greater autonomy and shared sovereignty among states. According to Ruhullah, political parties committed to a stronger federal structure should unite behind this cause. His discussions, he added, are not confined to Kashmir but extend to like-minded parties across the country—from West Bengal to the southern states, the Northeast, Punjab, and Maharashtra.
Ruhullah criticized the Congress party as well, suggesting that if they come to power and ignore the issue of Article 370, it would reflect political hypocrisy and a betrayal of their foundational values. He accused Congress of hesitating to openly support Muslim issues, saying that to genuinely oppose Hindutva extremism, the party must engage with and advocate for the Muslim community, Dalits, and other marginalized groups. He emphasized that Article 370 was not anti-national and urged the Congress to educate the public accordingly instead of taking a passive stance.
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