Graft charges mere joke, aimed to silence me: Ruhullah

50 MLAs should have camped outside PM houseIrfan TrambooSRINAGAR, Apr 13: Member of Parliament and senior leader of the ruling National Conference (NC) Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi today dismissed Anti-Corruption Bureau’s (ACB) graft charges as a “joke” and an attempt to “silence” him.Click here to watch videoSpeaking at a press conference at his Budgam residence, Ruhullah presented his side regarding the land compensation case in Durbal Bemina, in which he and 22 others have been named. He described the allegations as “childish acts” aimed at suppressing dissent and said he is prepared for “greater sacrifices.

”Ruhullah rejected the accusations in the nearly 20-year-old case, stating that the land in question was inherited from his grandfather.“A bad April Fool’s joke played on April 13. A false narrative is being spun around a so-called scam, with me at its center.



Let me be clear, I have absolutely nothing to do with it,” he said.The MP reiterated that the case is “baseless”, outdated, and politically motivated.”The land in question belonged to my grandfather, who owned around 90 kanals in Durbal Bemina – land later acquired by the Government under a rehabilitation plan for Dal Lake dwellers,” he said.

“Compensation was based not just on revenue records but on possession, as per the Government’s decision. My family received compensation for 40-50 kanals. My share, like that of my siblings, was nominal, just Rs 80,000, routed through my uncle’s account.

I had no role in the negotiations.”He clarified that his involvement was limited to being a legal heir, and all dealings with the authorities were handled by his eldest uncle. “The money came via my uncle, not directly from the Government.

”He cited cabinet decisions and surveys as the legal basis for the compensation, saying thousands of kanals had been processed the same way.Ruhullah said he was surprised by the chargesheet, especially since he was never questioned or served any legal notice.“If there was wrongdoing, why wasn’t I ever informed or asked for a statement? This case has no legal or moral standing.

”He described the move as a clear attempt to “stifle dissent”.“This is political vendetta, plain and simple. The administration is using agencies like the ACB to intimidate me.

They might as well bring in the NIA if they’re so desperate, maybe then the real corrupt will be exposed.”Ruhullah apologized to his family for being dragged into the controversy but expressed confidence in their support.He remained firm, saying, “I will not be silenced.

I’ll stay silent only when Article 370 is restored, rights of Muslims and minorities are restored, and the constitutional rights of J&K are reinstated.”Referring to his upbringing, he said, “I come from a darsgah where we’re taught to bear injustice with dignity. If this is about Rs 80,000, I’m ready for that fight.

”He also criticized the Centre’s control over religious institutions, saying the National Conference will challenge the Waqf Act in the Supreme Court.He questioned why no resolution was passed against it in the J&K Assembly. “Even if sub judice, an assembly can express its opinion.

A resolution isn’t lawmaking, it’s a statement.”On the delay in restoring statehood, he blamed political inaction. “We shouldn’t have waited passively.

Fifty MLAs should have camped outside the Prime Minister’s house. We’re distancing ourselves from public sentiment.”Thanking the people of Budgam for supporting NC vice-president Omar Abdullah in the 2024 elections, Ruhullah said, “Now that he has vacated the seat, people want someone from Budgam to represent them again.

I respect that sentiment.”The post Graft charges mere joke, aimed to silence me: Ruhullah appeared first on Daily Excelsior..