Srinagar, Nov 14 : Amid the reports about late Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s granddaughter Ruwa Shah mulling to join politics, National Conference Chief Spokesperson and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Saturday said whether those invoking the name of late Geealni were adhering to the political vision he had advocated for Jammu and Kashmir.
Talking to reporters here, MLA Sadiq, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said he had no objection to anyone individually choosing to enter politics, but questioned whether such a move is being pursued in an individual capacity or by invoking Geelani’s legacy.
“If she wants to help people through politics, there is nothing wrong with that. But if she wants to mislead people by using her grandfather’s name, then I think that is wrong,” he said.
Sadiq said late Geelani ‘had presented a distinct vision’ of Jammu and Kashmir before the people. “She is a young girl and if she wants to enter politics individually, that is her decision. But the important question is whether she wants to enter politics in the name of her grandfather,” Sadiq said.
Reiterating the National Conference’s political position, Sadiq said the party had consistently adhered to its agenda for the past 70–80 years and had never compromised on its principles despite difficult circumstances and sacrifices by its workers and leaders.
He said the NC had remained committed to its political position since its establishment in 1936, adding that its workers, ministers and legislators had made sacrifices but the party had never abandoned its stated agenda.
On questions surrounding concerns raised by some MLAs, Sadiq said the matter had been discussed with the Chief Minister and the party president.
He also questioned the BJP and the Leader of Opposition over the issue of statehood, saying the people of Jammu and Kashmir would have had more ministerial representation had statehood not been withdrawn in 2019.
Commenting on the recent cabinet reshuffle and speculation about possible differences within the National Conference, Sadiq said the party remained organisationally strong despite being a democratic institution where differences could arise.
“Differences may exist, but this is a democratic party. We will sit together and discuss matters comfortably. The organisation is strong and nothing will happen to it,” he said.
He also responded to complaints raised by street vendors against alleged harassment, saying he would take up the matter with the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).
Sadiq further said vendors had every right to earn their livelihood through legal means and no one should be allowed to indulge in hooliganism or create unnecessary conflict. “If there is something genuine, the vendors are working hard and have every right to work legally. No one is allowed to indulge in hooliganism, irrespective of who they are. I will take up the matter with the SSP,” he said—(KNO)
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