Srinagar- The simmering tensions within the National Conference (NC) have burst into the open, with a public war of words between party MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah intensifying ahead of the Budgam by-polls. Their sharp exchanges over the past few days have laid bare a widening rift within the party.

The discord escalated on Monday when Omar Abdullah, responding to questions from reporters, reacted sharply upon hearing Ruhullah’s name.

“Don’t talk about Aga Ruhullah. Whom are you talking about? There is no comparison between Mian Altaf and Aga Ruhullah — there’s simply no match,” Omar said.

Omar also responded to reports that Ruhullah had refused to join the Budgam bypoll campaign, saying that the party has enough leaders to carry on its political outreac

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