Budgam, Nov 3: Senior National Conference leader and Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday announced his decision to quit the party and resign from his Lok Sabha membership, launching a sharp attack on the party leadership and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Addressing a gathering at Behisht-e-Zehra Park in Budgam on the death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi, Ruhullah expressed strong dissatisfaction with the party’s functioning and accused its leadership of failing to honour promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir during the Assembly elections.
Clarifying that his differences with the National Conference were rooted in political ideology and principles rather than personal ambitions or the denial of any party position, Ruhullah said he could not remain associated with an organisation that, in his assessment, had failed to stand by its commitments.
He particularly highlighted issues such as the restoration of Article 370, constitutional safeguards, reservation policy and the release of prisoners.
Taking aim at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Ruhullah questioned his political decisions and alleged that he had changed his stand on Article 370 shortly after the Assembly elections under pressure from the BJP.
Referring to NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah, Ruhullah remarked that he should teach the Quran to his “Na-Ahal” (incompetent) son, Omar Abdullah, accusing the Chief Minister of abandoning his earlier political position out of fear of the BJP.
Ruhullah maintained that his decision was not driven by a desire for power or political positions, but by his commitment to principles, dignity and the aspirations of the people.
Outlining his future political direction, he said he did not intend to simply leave one party and join another. Instead, he wants to bring together honest, dedicated and politically conscious youth from Jammu and Kashmir on a common platform.
He also appealed to parents to encourage their educated and hardworking children to enter public life and work towards meaningful social and political change.
Ruhullah said the proposed platform would bring together young people who understand the challenges faced by the public and are committed to protecting the interests of Jammu and Kashmir.
His announcement marks a significant political development for the National Conference, particularly amid questions over the party’s electoral promises and its position on key political and constitutional issues.
The Srinagar parliamentary seat, however, will become officially vacant only after the Lok Sabha Speaker accepts Ruhullah’s formal resignation. Any subsequent by-election will be held in accordance with the applicable constitutional and electoral provisions.
