Surindar Chowdhary says he recognises only Aga Mahmood as NC candidate from Budgam
KINS Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 20 (KINS): Deputy Chief Minister Surindar Chowdhary on Monday said he recognises only Aga Mahmood as the National Conference’s (NC) candidate from the Budgam constituency, asserting that party discipline and respect for leadership are non-negotiable.
“I don’t know any Aga Rahullah. I know only Aga Mahmood who has been given the mandate to contest from Budgam,” Chowdhary told reporters in Srinagar, according to news agency KINS.
He added that loyalty to the party’s leadership defines a true NC worker. “I will respect only those who respect Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah. Those who do something different, I don’t consider them party workers or cadre,” he said.
Chowdhary’s remarks come amid reports that NC Member of Parliament Aga Rahullah has refused to support any candidate in the upcoming Budgam bypoll, a move seen as deepening internal rifts within the party’s ranks in central Kashmir.
The Budgam Assembly bypoll, scheduled for November 11, is shaping up to be a multi-cornered contest involving major parties including the National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), NC and BJP. Counting of votes will take place on November 14. (KINS)
