New Delhi– Jammu and Kashmir National Conference MP Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi raised strong criticism against the ruling BJP-led NDA government in Parliament on Monday, citing the ongoing West Asia conflict following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Mehdi’s remarks came during discussions on the railway budget allocation but quickly drew attention due to his comments on international affairs.
During his speech, Mehdi sought to express condolences over the reported “martyrdom” of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in the airstrikes on February 28. He also condemned the killing of innocent civilians, including more than 150 children in a school in Minab, Iran.
“I express my condolences to the people of Iran, to the peace-loving and just people all around the world,” Mehdi stated, as per the Sansad TV broadcast.
Verbal Exchange in the House
Mehdi’s statement in Parliament was met with an interjection from a member of the ruling alliance, reportedly telling him to “go to Iran.” The identity of the member was unclear.
The presiding MP, NK Premachandran, requested Mehdi to confine his remarks to the railway budget. However, the Srinagar MP refused to step aside, saying in Hindi: “Kyun chala jaoon? Main Iran kyun chala jaoon? (Why should I leave? Why should I go to Iran?) I am condemning Israel, but why are you getting upset?”
He further criticized the government, adding: “Aapne unko apna ‘fatherland’ banaya hoga, apna pita-shree banaya hoga; hamara nahin hai. (You must have made Israel your ‘fatherland’, made it your dear father; we have not.)”
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This remark was seen as a continuation of Mehdi’s bold statement in Parliament, drawing attention to India’s diplomatic stance and its implications on minority communities.
Return to Railway Budget Discussion
After the chair asked him to stick to the agenda, Mehdi returned to railway issues. He thanked Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for confirming that a proposed rail line for Shopian and Pahalgam had been permanently dropped to protect local orchards.
Mehdi also highlighted the need for enhanced rail connectivity in the Chenab Valley and improved links with Jammu, demonstrating his focus on regional development.
Remarks on Identity and Justice
Reverting briefly to the West Asia conflict, Mehdi said: “Baaki unka khwaab hai jo humein kabhi Pakistan, kabhi Iran bhejna chahte hain. (Some here have dreams; sometimes they want us to go to Pakistan, sometimes to Iran.) I am from the lineage of Haidar-e-Karrar,” referencing Imam Ali, the first Imam of Shia Islam. “I take a stand for what’s just and rightful.”
The chair then moved to the next speaker, ending Mehdi’s intervention, but his statement in Parliament has sparked widespread discussion on the House floor and among political observers.