The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a major upheaval as Srinagar Lok Sabha member Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi formally resigned from both the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and his parliamentary seat. The dramatic announcement was made during a large public rally at Behesht-e-Zehra Park in Budgam, organized on the death anniversary of his father, late politician Aga Syed Mehdi. Shortly after addressing his supporters, Ruhullah dispatched his formal resignation as a Member of Parliament to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, marking a complete rupture with the party he represented for decades.

Fierce Accusations Against Omar Abdullah and the Party Leadership

In his public remarks and office statements, Ruhullah launched a sharp critique targeting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the top brass of the National Conference. His statements accused the party leadership of treating the region like an inherited family estate, remarking that the leadership expected voters to cast ballots and then accept compromises. He alleged that the National Conference secured power by promising an unyielding fight for the restoration of Article 370, statehood, the release of political prisoners, and local rights, only to dilute those commitments once in office and lecture the public on realpolitik. Ruhullah stated that he preferred surrendering his Lok Sabha seat rather than becoming an accomplice to what he described as a betrayal of the public mandate.

Months of Simmering Rift and Internal Discontent

The formal exit is the culmination of a protracted dispute between Ruhullah and the Abdullah leadership that had been building over the past year. Tensions escalated over multiple flashpoints, including disagreements regarding the rationalisation of reservation policies in Jammu and Kashmir, governance approaches, and what Ruhullah viewed as an over-diluted stance on restoring special constitutional rights. The conflict previously intensified after NC president Dr. Farooq Abdullah publicly challenged dissenting voices to resign and face the electorate independently if they disagreed with party decisions. Further strain was visible when Ruhullah refused to campaign for the NC during recent assembly elections.

National Conference Downplays Departure, Hints of New Political Front

Reacting to the resignation, senior National Conference leaders and ministers pushed back, dismissing claims of instability. J&K Cabinet Minister Javed Ahmed Rana stated that the ruling party remains firmly united under Omar Abdullah’s leadership and that Mehdi’s personal decision to walk away would not destabilize the government or weaken the party’s rank and file. Meanwhile, during his extended speech to supporters in Budgam, Ruhullah hinted at floating a new political platform to continue raising issues of regional autonomy, youth employment, and political accountability without compromising on original commitments.