Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi Accuses RSS of Erasing Muslims’ Contributions From India’s History

National Conference senior leader and Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its ideological supporters of attempting to erase the historical contributions and sacrifices of Muslims from India’s history.

Speaking to media persons in Shopian, South Kashmir, Mehdi alleged that a deliberate effort was being made to sideline the role played by Muslims in protecting the country’s democracy, security, and public values. He said history shows that Muslims made significant sacrifices whenever the nation faced challenges, but those contributions were now being ignored.

Addressing the political situation in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, Mehdi said the restoration of the region’s identity and constitutional rights remains the central focus of his political agenda. He asserted that he would continue to stand at the forefront of any movement seeking the restoration of Article 370 and the constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking about the demand for the restoration of full statehood, Mehdi said it remains an important issue. However, he added that the people of the Valley are currently facing several urgent challenges that directly affect their livelihoods and require immediate attention.

He expressed concern over the outsourcing of government jobs, claiming that employment opportunities were increasingly being given to agencies instead of local youth, leaving many educated Kashmiris unemployed. He also raised concerns over land rights, alleging that local residents fear losing control over their land and resources. Mehdi urged the government to stop outsourcing government jobs and ensure that local people receive priority in employment and resource allocation.

Responding to recent speculation about alleged attempts to lure National Conference legislators, Mehdi stressed the importance of protecting democratic values. He said the government elected by the people of Jammu and Kashmir should be allowed to complete its constitutional term without outside interference.

Without naming anyone, he also said that political leaders whose names were being linked to the alleged horse trading controversy should reflect on why questions were being raised about their loyalty and political conduct.

Earlier in the day, Mehdi chaired a meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) at the Mini Secretariat in Shopian to review the implementation of public welfare and development projects.

The meeting was attended by Shopian MLA Advocate Shabir Ahmad Kullay, Zainapora MLA Shaukat Hussain Ganie, the Deputy Commissioner of Shopian, and senior officials from various government departments. During the meeting, Mehdi directed officials to ensure that the benefits of Central and State welfare schemes reach people at the grassroots level and instructed them to avoid delays in implementing development projects.