SRINAGAR: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday announced his decision to leave the party and resign from the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat, accusing its leadership of abandoning the political commitments on which it had sought public support in the 2024 elections.
Addressing a gathering at Behishti Zehra Park in Budgam on the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi, Ruhullah brought an end to his 24-year association with the National Conference and launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and party president Farooq Abdullah.
“You used me,” Ruhullah said, alleging that the party had approached him ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to contest from Baramulla, citing the presence of Shia voters. He said he had instead suggested that Omar Abdullah contest from north Kashmir and was subsequently fielded from Srinagar, where he won the parliamentary election.
Recalling the political developments following Omar Abdullah’s defeat in Baramulla, Ruhullah claimed that the Chief Minister had told him that the dignity of the National Conference and the people of Jammu and Kashmir rested in his hands. He said he had taken the responsibility seriously and raised the issue of the region’s constitutional rights in Parliament.
Ruhullah alleged that the party had again sought his support during the Assembly elections, assuring him that it would fight for Jammu and Kashmir’s dignity and constitutional rights, rather than limiting its demand to the restoration of statehood.
However, he accused the leadership of stepping back from its position on Article 370 soon after forming the government.
“You got power in 2024, and from the second day, when we spoke about Article 370, you started saying no. Is this the dignity promised?” he asked.
The remarks underline the differences within the ruling party over its commitments during the 2024 Assembly elections. The NC manifesto had pledged to strive for the restoration of special status and constitutional guarantees, while the government has also pursued the restoration of statehood.
Taking aim at Omar Abdullah, Ruhullah questioned the respect commanded by the Chief Minister despite holding the highest elected office in the Union Territory.
“The chair he occupies may carry authority, but it commands no respect. I bow my head and place my cap and turban only before Almighty Allah,” he said.
He also asked Farooq Abdullah to teach the Quran to his “Na-Ahal” (unworthy) son, accusing Omar Abdullah of changing his position on Article 370 after the Assembly elections out of fear of the BJP.
Accusing the NC leadership of compromising people’s dignity for political power, Ruhullah said he would expose the party over the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He also recalled that Omar Abdullah had earlier sent him several messages thanking him for restoring the party’s dignity.
“If you want to see what real respect looks like, come to Budgam,” he said in a direct message to the Chief Minister.
Ruhullah’s announced resignation from the Lok Sabha will require formal submission and acceptance by the Speaker before the Srinagar seat is declared vacant. A by-election would then be required to fill the vacancy.
His announcement comes amid reported differences within the ruling National Conference following its recent Cabinet reshuffle, with some party legislators expressing dissatisfaction with the leadership.
The Budgam district administration had permitted the commemorative gathering at Behishti Zehra Park from 10 am to 1 pm.
