‘Escape Route for You?’: Ruhullah’s Stark Rebuttal to J&K Government Over ‘File with LG’ Claim in Reservation Row
By: Javid Amin | 28 December 2025
In a sharp escalation of the ongoing controversy over reservation policy and quota rationalisation in Jammu & Kashmir, National Conference (NC) MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has publicly denounced the administration’s explanation that the reservation file is “with the Lieutenant Governor (LG).” Mehdi branded the claim an “escape route” — a bureaucratic dodge aimed at deflecting responsibility rather than addressing the legitimate concerns of students and families waiting for clarity on quota reform.
His comments come against the backdrop of a foiled student protest in Srinagar and growing public frustration over prolonged delays in rationalising reservation rules. On the ground, the reactions offer a spectrum of opinion — from palpable distrust of administrative processes to emerging support for politicians who amplify youth grievances.
What Triggered Ruhullah’s Rebuke? A Quick Recap
The controversy intensified after the J&K administration reportedly stated — in response to student demands and political queries — that the file concerning reservation policy reforms is presently with the Lieutenant Governor.
This statement was intended to signal that the matter was under consideration at the highest administrative level. However, many activists and opposition politicians — led by Aga Ruhullah Mehdi — interpreted it as an ineffective response that fails to provide concrete timelines, transparent actions, or clear accountability mechanisms.
Ruhullah’s comments came during a flurry of social media posts and verbal responses directed at both the administration and fellow political leaders, positioning himself as a vocal critic of what he sees as delays and bureaucratic half-measures.
On-Ground Voices: How Different Sections Are Perceiving the Situation
To understand broader public reaction, we gathered sentiments from students, parents, opposition supporters and neutral citizens across Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Budgam.
Students: “A Delaying Tactic, Not a Solution”
Many students involved in the Open Merit Students Association — the primary group agitating for quota rationalisation — believe the “file with LG” claim is a stalling tactic.
Their frustration centres on:
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Lack of substantive updates on policy changes
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No timeline for implementation
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Government rhetoric that appears to prioritise procedure over resolution
One senior student activist said:
“When we hear ‘file with LG,’ what we really hear is ‘wait indefinitely.’ Our demand is simple: fairness in reservation policy, clarity in process, and real engagement. This feels like buying time.”
This sentiment reflects a broader sense among students that administrative language is being used to placate rather than to solve.
Parents: Fear Over Futures, Not Bureaucratic Semantics
Parents of aspirants express genuine concern about their children’s futures.
Their worries focus on:
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Continued ambiguity over job prospects
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Prolonged uncertainty in academic and career planning
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Perceived bureaucratic inertia
One parent, whose son is preparing for competitive government exams, shared:
“We are not interested in semantics. If the file is with the LG, when will we see results? Our children’s future cannot be an administrative placeholder.”
This reflects a deeply felt anxiety where procedural explanations fall short of tangible reassurance.
Opposition Supporters: Ruhullah’s Stance Resonates
Opposition activists from NC, PDP and allied circles view Ruhullah’s critique as a bold assertion of accountability.
For many, the MP’s remarks signal an important political positioning:
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Taking the administration to task publicly
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Aligning with student grievances
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Contrasting with political voices perceived as non-committal
An NC youth leader said:
“Ruhullah is the first major political figure to frame the ‘file with LG’ as what it actually sounds like — a convenient escape route.”
This resonance highlights how political capital is accruing to those who amplify public frustration.
Neutral Citizens: Governance Opacity and Accountability Concerns
Among the general public — including salaried professionals, local business owners, and civil society members — the consensus is increasingly critical of administrative opacity.
A shopkeeper in Lal Chowk remarked:
“If there is action, show us the action. Saying ‘it’s with the LG’ doesn’t help the students or anyone else.”
This sentiment underscores a broader perception of governance by deflection, where responsibility is shifted without offering measurable progress.
Dissecting the Messages: What Each Position Communicates
The interaction between the government claim and Ruhullah’s critique carries distinct political and social messages.
Government Stance: Administrative Procedure Over Political Accountability
By emphasising that the reservation file is “with the LG,” the administration seeks to communicate:
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The matter remains under serious review
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Policy reform is not discarded
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Decision-making is at the highest bureaucratic level
However, this message risks being interpreted as detachment, where procedural phrasing becomes a substitute for actionable policy.
The implication is that real decisions are being delayed, and responsibility is being collectively diffused across administrative layers.
Ruhullah’s Critique: Framing it as an “Escape Route”
Ruhullah’s counter-narrative asserts:
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Lack of accountability
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Bureaucratic language as a tool for delay
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Need for clear, public, and enforceable timelines
This positions him as:
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A defender of transparency
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An advocate for youth and merit-based concerns
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A critic of governance that appears opaque or evasive
His rhetoric has resonated with segments of the public tired of abstract official statements.
Public Perception: Trust Deficit and Accountability Vacuum
Across demographic groups, the prevailing sentiment highlights:
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Growing mistrust in administrative accountability
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Perception of delayed solutions
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An expectation that governance should offer substance, not semantics
The “file with LG” statement — if not accompanied by clear action steps — runs the risk of deepening public scepticism.
Political Impact: Internal NC Divisions and Opposition Dynamics
Ruhullah’s critique also brings into focus internal political messaging within the National Conference and the opposition bloc.
The evidence of split narratives — some political leaders backing administrative language while others question it — weakens the opposition’s ability to present a unified stance on the reservation issue.
This has broader implications:
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Complicating opposition strategy
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Undermining collective credibility
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Shaping voter perceptions of political coherence
Ruhullah’s sharper tone appeals to reform-minded and younger constituencies, while more procedural approaches resonate with stability-focused voters.
Broader Implications: Trust, Governance, and Youth Politics
Beyond immediate political messaging, this episode signals deeper trends in J&K’s sociopolitical landscape.
1. Erosion of Trust in Administrative Accountability
The recurring pattern where key policy files are described as “with the LG” without visible benchmarks or timelines contributes to a trust deficit.
Citizens increasingly perceive that:
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Governance relies on bureaucratic shielding
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Political leaders avoid direct responsibility
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Youth aspirations are managed rather than empowered
This erodes confidence in institutional responsiveness.
2. Youth Disillusionment — From Policy to Politics
Young Kashmiris — particularly those engaged in the quota rationalisation movement — see this as a test of government seriousness.
If explanations amount to procedural cloaks, not outcomes, disillusionment can deepen, pushing youth further from mainstream political engagement.
3. Political Positioning and Future Alignments
Ruhullah’s stance elevates his profile as:
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A voice against bureaucratic deflection
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An advocate for clear accountability
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A politician aligned with youth concerns
This may shift political momentum toward leaders willing to connect with grassroots voices rather than rely solely on institutional framing.
4. Administrative Optics: Clarity vs Deflection
For the administration, the challenge lies in balancing:
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Bureaucratic process integrity
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Public expectations for transparency
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Political criticism that frames procedural language as evasive
Navigating this without alienating core constituencies will require greater clarity and communication.
What This Means Going Forward
This episode over the reservation file has several key takeaways:
| Dimension | What It Signals |
|---|---|
| Government Approach | Procedural emphasis but potential avoidance of accountability |
| Ruhullah’s Position | Positions him as transparency champion aligned with youth voices |
| Public Sentiment | Growing scepticism toward bureaucratic language without results |
| Political Unity | Internal divisions weaken opposition’s negotiating power |
| Youth Engagement | Increased demand for tangible policy action over rhetoric |
These dynamics are not only shaping the reservation debate but are becoming central to how Kashmir’s political and public ecosystem evaluates governance and accountability.
Conclusion: From Bureaucratic Language to Public Demand for Action
Aga Ruhullah Mehdi’s criticism of the “file with LG” claim as an “escape route” is more than a political jibe. It reflects deep public frustration with procedural responses, especially in matters that touch the future prospects of thousands of students and families.
In an environment where formal explanations are often interpreted as bureaucratic delays, effective governance requires not just administrative language, but clear action plans, timelines, and inclusive dialogue.
What this episode ultimately underscores is the growing impatience of a generation that seeks transparent, accountable governance—not euphemistic reassurances.
For Kashmir’s policymakers, political leaders, and civic stakeholders, the message is unmistakable: Words that obscure accountability may deepen mistrust; actions that deliver clarity can shape long-term trust and progress.
