Srinagar, Nov 14 (JKNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said senior National Conference leader Agha Ruhullah “hurt his own political standing” by withdrawing from the Budgam bypoll campaign, stating that the step intended as a message to the party ended up damaging Ruhullah more than anyone else.
“Ruhullah killed himself to give me a message,” Omar told reporters, as per news agency JKNS, while invoking the English phrase “you cut your nose to spite your face” to describe the move.
He remarked that the bypoll winner would now “never allow Ruhullah to regain ground in Budgam,” adding that the future of the former minister depends entirely on whether he can rebuild his space.
“Only Ruhullah can decide whether he will rise again in Budgam or not. Whatever happened, happened,” Omar said.
The Chief Minister also admitted that NC had anticipated difficulties in the constituency well before campaigning began.
“In Budgam, people don’t vote solely on work,” he said. “A large number of voters don’t vote on issues at all; many decide quietly, behind the curtain. So I already knew it wouldn’t be easy for us.”
Omar said the outcome was shaped by a mix of silent voting, internal dissatisfaction and evolving political moods.
“We accept the verdict and move forward,” he added. (JKNS)
