NC considers Nasir Aslam Wani for Budgam seat, seeks Rahullah Mehdi’s support, sources

STC NEWS MONITORING DESK
Srinagar,January 25 (STC):
National Conference (NC) is considering to field Nasir Aslam Wani as its candidate for the Budgam seat, says a report of news gathering agency Kashmir News Trust (KNT) quoting reliable sources. The report further adds that the party is seeking support from Member of Parliament Rahullah Mehdi, who, according to the report, has expressed discontent with the leadership.
The Budgam by-election is due following the vacancy created by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s withdrawal from the segment. Omar had previously won from both Ganderbal and Budgam.
Mehdi’s backing is believed to it be crucial for the party’s chances in the by-poll.
To appease another contender, Aga Mahmood, who had shown interest in contesting the Budgam by-poll on the NC ticket, the party has reportedly promised to offer him a seat in the Rajya Sabha.
Sources quoted in KNT report added that the meeting between the two top NC leaders and Rahullah Mehdi was not only an attempt to garner his support but also to publicly signal that Rahullah remains aligned with the party, despite recent controversies.
Notably, several NC leaders had openly criticized Rahullah Mehdi following his protest against the reservation policy outside the Chief Minister’s residence.
Sources also noted that the meeting was partly aimed at sending a clear message to the public that Rahullah Mehdi’s stance against the current reservation policy should not be misinterpreted as an issue with NC leadership.
It’s worth mentioning that National Conference leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary and advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, have held a meeting with disgruntled party leader Rahullah Mehdi, claims the news agency report quoting confirmation from the sources.(STC)