Tanveer Hussain
Budgam, October 20: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Gh Ahmad Khan has strongly criticised National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah over his recent remarks, raising questions about the selection of the party’s candidate in the Beerwah Assembly constituency, the distribution of the political mandate, and the developmental performance of incumbent MLA Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani.
Addressing a press conference at his residence in Beerwah, Gh Ahmad Khan responded to a statement reportedly made by Farooq Abdullah during a party workers’ convention in Beerwah on Sunday.
During the convention, Farooq Abdullah had reportedly stated that he had selected Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani as the National Conference candidate from Beerwah, while another person had approached PDP president Mehbooba Mufti. He also asked people to assess the current political situation and see how circumstances had unfolded.
Gh Ahmad Khan questioned the remarks and alleged that money had been demanded from him, suggesting that his refusal to pay had influenced the political developments surrounding the candidate selection. However, these allegations could not be independently verified, and Farooq Abdullah’s response was not available at the time of publication.
Gh Ahmad Khan Questions MLA Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani’s Performance.The PDP leader also criticised Beerwah MLA Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani, questioning his developmental record and asking what work he had actually undertaken for the constituency.
Gh Ahmad Khan said the public representation and developmental activities in Beerwah needed to be assessed. His remarks have brought the performance of elected representatives, development initiatives, and public expectations back into the political discussion in the area.
Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani’s response to the questions raised about his performance was not available at the time of preparing this report.
Gul Hassan Khan Defends Family’s Integrity.During the press conference, Gh Ahmad Khan’s brother, Gul Hassan Khan, defended the family’s integrity, referring to its longstanding political associations and record of public service.
Gul Hassan Khan said his family had maintained close personal and family ties with Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi. According to him, when Aga Ruhullah was a minister, his brother had worked with him as a liaison officer for two years.
He said their relationship had extended beyond political activities and was based on longstanding personal connections and mutual trust.
Gul Hassan Khan stated that he had been active in politics since 1996 and had worked as a National Conference election agent that year. According to him, he remained associated with the party’s electoral activities in various capacities until the 2024 parliamentary elections.
Defending his family’s reputation, he said, “No one can prove that our family has taken money from anyone or cheated anyone, whether in matters related to employment or any other work.”
He further claimed that his family helped people resolve administrative issues without demanding bribes in return for public service. He added that they sometimes spent their own resources to help people get their work done.
Gul Hassan Khan said people in the area had known his family for several decades and were familiar with its background, character, and conduct. Emphasising their approach to public service, he said they worked according to their conscience, the commandments of God, and the principles of peace and harmony.
The press conference has renewed discussion in Beerwah over political representation, candidate selection, developmental performance, and public trust.
