Jammu, Oct. 27 -- As the estranged Lok Sabha member from Srinagar, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, continues to publicly criticise Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, tensions within the ruling National Conference (NC) have escalated.
The party has now mounted a counteroffensive against the dissenting parliamentarian, even as the campaign for the crucial Budgam Assembly byelection gathers momentum.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, however, sought to downplay the controversy, asserting that the party remains united and fully equipped to carry out its campaign despite Ruhullah's boycott.
"The National Conference has enough leaders who are actively leading the campaign and engaging with people across constituencies," Abdullah told reporters, adding that he...