Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi says his decision to resign from the Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency is voluntary and genuine. (Img: X)
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir's political landscape witnessed a major development on Tuesday as Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi announced his resignation from the ruling National Conference (NC) and moved to relinquish his parliamentary seat. Addressing a large public gathering in Budgam, Ruhullah launched a sharp attack on the party leadership, accusing it of abandoning its electoral commitments and prioritising the pursuit of power over the rights and political aspirations of the people.
The announcement came on the 26th death anniversary of his father, late Aga Syed Mehdi, during a gathering at Behisht-e-Zehra Park in central Kashmir's Budgam district. Ruhullah also indicated that he wanted to bring together honest, committed and compassionate people, particularly young people, on a common platform to work for Jammu and Kashmir. His remarks pointed towards the possibility of a new political movement, although he clarified that his immediate objective was not simply to join another political party.
Ruhullah subsequently submitted a resignation communication to the Lok Sabha Speaker, invoking Article 101(3)(b) of the Constitution and Rule 240 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha. He described his decision as voluntary and requested the Speaker to accept it. However, the Srinagar parliamentary seat will become formally vacant only after the Speaker accepts the resignation, following which the Election Commission can initiate the process for a by-election in accordance with applicable provisions.
Ruhullah's departure follows a prolonged period of differences with the National Conference leadership, particularly over the party's position on Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional status and the commitments made during the 2024 Assembly elections.
He accused the party of failing to pursue its promise of restoring Article 370 and safeguarding the region's constitutional rights after returning to power. The issues he raised also included the release of prisoners and the need for a more effective approach towards Jammu and Kashmir's political concerns.
The National Conference had sought public support in the 2024 Assembly elections on a range of promises, including the restoration of Article 370, the creation of one lakh jobs, a balanced reservation policy, 200 units of free electricity and 12 free LPG cylinders annually. Ruhullah alleged that the party had failed to demonstrate sufficient progress on these commitments after forming the government.
His criticism has also extended to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's approach towards the Centre and the party's decision to focus on the restoration of statehood rather than making the restoration of special status a central political demand. The differences have increasingly become public, turning Ruhullah into one of the most prominent internal critics of the NC government.
While announcing his departure from the National Conference, Ruhullah indicated that he wanted to create a broader platform involving honest and dedicated young people from Jammu and Kashmir. He appealed to parents to encourage educated and hardworking youth to enter public life and participate in efforts to bring change to society.
His remarks have triggered speculation about the emergence of a new political formation in the Union Territory. However, he has not announced the formal launch of a political party or disclosed its structure, leadership or organisational framework. His stated emphasis is on building a movement around public rights, dignity and political accountability.
Ruhullah's exit is significant given his political standing in central Kashmir. Before being elected from the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency in 2024, he had represented Budgam in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly three times and served as a minister. His departure removes a prominent political voice from the National Conference at a time when the party is already dealing with internal disagreements.
Ruhullah's resignation comes against the backdrop of mounting dissatisfaction among sections of the National Conference's legislative wing following the recent Cabinet expansion.
A group of 18 NC legislators submitted a 10-point memorandum to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, seeking corrective measures in the functioning of the government and the party organisation. The memorandum reportedly calls for a review of ministerial performance, greater consultation with elected representatives, a mechanism to monitor the implementation of the election manifesto and changes in the functioning of the Chief Minister's Office.
The legislators have also sought a review of the role of Chief Minister's adviser Nasir Aslam Wani and changes concerning the Public Works portfolio held by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary. The memorandum followed a meeting of dissatisfied legislators on October 30, after the government expanded its Council of Ministers.
The Cabinet expansion, which saw four new ministers inducted on October 27, has reportedly intensified concerns among some senior legislators who were left out of the reshuffle. Issues of ministerial representation, regional balance, consultation and the influence of individuals within the party's decision-making structure have emerged as points of contention.
Reports have also indicated that the number of legislators expressing dissatisfaction could be around 20. However, the documented memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister was signed by 18 MLAs. The National Conference has 41 legislators in the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
The developments have placed the National Conference leadership under pressure to address concerns within its legislative ranks while managing the political fallout of Ruhullah's departure.
The party has, however, sought to project organisational stability. Jammu and Kashmir minister Javed Rana has maintained that the National Conference remains strong and dismissed suggestions that internal resentment or Ruhullah's exit would weaken the party.
The immediate challenge for the leadership is to bridge differences with dissatisfied legislators, address concerns over the Cabinet reshuffle and demonstrate progress on the commitments made during the 2024 Assembly elections.
For Ruhullah, the next phase will depend on whether he can translate his public appeal into a sustained political platform and organisational presence across Jammu and Kashmir. His resignation from the Lok Sabha will also require the Speaker's formal acceptance before the Srinagar seat is declared vacant.
The twin developments of Ruhullah's departure and the memorandum submitted by 18 legislators have brought the National Conference's internal challenges into sharper focus, making political cohesion and the implementation of election promises central questions for the Omar Abdullah government.
