Srinagar, June 15 (IANS) Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Lok Sabha member from J&K, alleged on Monday that noted cricketer and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Yusuf Pathan had been threatened to withdraw from protests against SIR in Parliament during the last winter session.

Aga Syed Ruhullah said on X that during the last winter session of Parliament, the entire opposition was protesting against SIR and other issues in the house. He noted that TMC MPs were in the well, taking the lead and protesting fearlessly.

“I was there, and I heard a prominent Muslim MP (not from TMC) shouting at Yusuf Pathan and telling him to withdraw from the protest. Yusuf actually did withdraw and came back to his seat. I saw a change on Yusuf’s face; he was almost shivering. After that, the MP left, and I went to Yusuf to ask what had happened. Why did he look scared? Yusuf told me that this person told him that he should not protest against the BJP, saying, ‘What is wrong with you? Why are you protesting against the BJP? Khud ko dusmhman keun banarahe ho. They will bulldoze your house in Gujarat,” Ruhullah wrote.

He added that in the meantime, Mahua Moitra came and asked him what had happened. “I told her that Yusuf is scared because that individual told Yusuf that the BJP will bulldoze his house in Gujarat. Mahua got furious and told Yusuf not to listen to that person. We are behind you, we are one, and no one will dare to touch you or your family. One feels sorry for Mahua Moitra and TMC. You had his back, but he and his likes stabbed you in the back,” Ruhullah said.

It must be mentioned that Mahua Moitra is a strong supporter of Mamata Banerjee, while Yusuf Pathan strongly denied rumours that he deserted TMC chief Mamata Banerjee or was asked to vacate his Baharampur Lok Sabha seat.

He released a video statement dismissing the claims as “completely false,” confirming that neither Mamata nor any party leader asked him to resign.

Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi represents the Srinagar-Budgam Lok Sabha seat for the National Conference (NC), but he has been opposing the party for failing to fulfil the promises made in its 2024 election manifesto.

The party has also not been inviting Ruhullah to its meetings since he publicly opposed the party leadership. Given his present position, Ruhullah is seen as a dissident NC leader.

–IANS

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