SRINAGAR: Online searches for Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi witnessed a surge of more than 5,000 per cent in India following his announcement on November 3 that he was severing ties with the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) and intended to resign from the Lok Sabha.
Google Trends data showed that Jammu and Kashmir registered the highest search interest, with Bihar, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh following.
Searches included different variations of his name, such as ‘Aga Ruhullah’, ‘Ruhullah Mehdi’, ‘Aga Ruhullah Mehdi’ and ‘Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi’.
The spike followed an address by Ruhullah at Behisht-e-Zehra Park in Budgam, where he spoke for around 80 minutes during a gathering marking the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi.
During the programme, Ruhullah announced his decision to part ways with the NC following an extended disagreement with the party leadership. He accused party president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of failing to honour key electoral commitments, including the restoration of statehood, protection of local rights and the party’s position on Article 370.
He also dismissed speculation about political horse-trading and indicated the possibility of launching a new political outfit in Jammu and Kashmir. He called for a movement involving young people, centred on what he described as the struggle for the rights and dignity of the region.
Google Trends data reflects relative search interest rather than the actual number of searches. The reported increase of more than 5,000 per cent therefore indicates a sharp rise in search activity compared with the earlier reference period and does not represent the volume of searches or public support for the MP.
