Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday announced his decision to quit the National Conference (NC) and resign from Parliament, bringing an end to his nearly 24-year association with the party. Addressing a large gathering at Behishti Zehra Park in Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir, he accused the party leadership of abandoning key electoral commitments, particularly the demand for restoration of Article 370.
Ruhullah made the announcement on the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi. During his address, he launched a sharp attack on NC president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, alleging that the party had failed to honour promises made to voters.
He also hinted at building a new political platform in Jammu and Kashmir, appealing to educated and committed youth to come forward and participate in public life.
Why Did Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi Quit The National Conference?
Ruhullah’s departure follows months of disagreements with the NC leadership over Article 370, reservation policy and the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
A prominent campaigner for the party during the 2024 Assembly elections, he gradually emerged as a vocal critic of the Omar Abdullah-led government after it came to power. He repeatedly questioned the government’s approach to issues on which the party had sought public support.
At Tuesday’s gathering, Ruhullah accused the NC leadership of stepping away from its commitment to fight for the restoration of Article 370, which was revoked by the Centre in August 2019.
He also challenged Omar Abdullah to contest against him, signalling an intensifying political confrontation with the party leadership.
Ruhullah has maintained that his differences with the NC are rooted in political principles and its failure, as he sees it, to fulfil commitments made to the people. His decision to leave the party does not mean he plans to join another political organisation. He has instead spoken about bringing together young people on a common platform.
Ruhullah Announces Exit On Father’s Death Anniversary
The Srinagar MP chose the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi, to announce his decision. His father was killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in 2000 while travelling towards Magam.
The gathering at Behishti Zehra Park saw a large turnout of supporters, with Ruhullah using his address to explain his differences with the party leadership and outline his political position.
National Conference spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar reacted to the announcement, saying Ruhullah’s decision had hurt him deeply.
From Three-Time MLA To Srinagar MP: Who Is Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi?
Ruhullah is an influential political figure in Jammu and Kashmir and has represented the Budgam Assembly constituency for three consecutive terms, winning elections in 2002, 2008 and 2014. He also served as a minister in the erstwhile state government.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, he contested from the Srinagar parliamentary constituency on an NC ticket and won the seat.
His departure marks a significant break with the party he had been associated with for nearly 24 years. His next political steps, including the possibility of building a new platform, will be closely watched in Jammu and Kashmir.
His Lok Sabha resignation will take effect as a vacancy only after it is formally accepted by the Speaker.
