Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi Quits National Conference, Lok Sabha Seat

Senior National Conference leader and Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has resigned from the party as well as his parliamentary seat, ending his nearly 24-year association with the organisation and creating a fresh political challenge for the Omar Abdullah-led government in Jammu and Kashmir.

Ruhullah announced his decision on Tuesday while addressing a large public gathering at Behisht-e-Zehra Park in Budgam. The gathering was held to mark the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi.

His resignation comes at a time when the ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference is facing growing internal dissent. A section of the party’s legislators has expressed dissatisfaction with the functioning of the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Differences over election commitments

In a direct criticism of the party leadership, Ruhullah accused the National Conference of failing to honour the commitments it made to the people during the 2024 Assembly elections.

He expressed particular disappointment over the party’s approach to the restoration of Article 370, the protection of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights, reservation reforms and the release of political prisoners.

Ruhullah said his differences with the leadership were based on principles and political commitments. He maintained that they were not the result of personal grievances or the denial of any position.

He argued that the party had sought votes on specific promises but had failed to pursue those promises with the determination expected by its supporters.

The Srinagar MP had emerged as one of the prominent voices within the National Conference questioning the Omar Abdullah government’s approach towards the Article 370 issue. His differences with the party leadership had become increasingly public over the past two years.

The disagreements were particularly visible over reservation policy and the political direction adopted after the formation of the elected government in October 2024.

Resignation adds to party’s internal crisis

Ruhullah’s departure is significant because he played an important role as a campaigner for the National Conference during the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

His resignation comes alongside a separate rebellion within the ruling party. A group of National Conference legislators has reportedly demanded a major overhaul of the Council of Ministers and changes in the functioning of the government.

The group has also given the party leadership a limited period to address its grievances.

The dissent reportedly intensified after the recent Cabinet expansion and reshuffle on October 27. The exercise brought four new ministers into the Omar Abdullah-led government.

Ruhullah’s exit has added another dimension to the political challenges facing the Chief Minister. Omar Abdullah is now dealing with criticism from within the party as well as dissatisfaction among a section of the party’s elected representatives.

The immediate question is whether Ruhullah’s decision will remain an individual political move or encourage further dissent within the National Conference.

No immediate move to another party

Ruhullah has also indicated that he does not intend to simply move from one political party to another.

Instead, he has spoken about bringing together committed young people and building an alternative political platform based on principles, public welfare and accountability.

The formal vacancy of the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat will arise only after the Lok Sabha Speaker accepts his resignation from Parliament.

Ruhullah’s exit marks a significant political moment for the National Conference. The party returned to power in Jammu and Kashmir in 2024 on a mandate that included the demand for restoration of special status and statehood.

The party leadership will now have to respond to the issues raised by Ruhullah while also addressing growing discontent among its own legislators.