Budgam, November 3: Senior National Conference leader and Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday announced his resignation from the party, accusing its leadership of abandoning electoral promises and compromising on the political aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir.
Declaring that he would no longer remain associated with the NC, Ruhullah made the announcement while addressing a gathering at Behisht-e-Zehra Park in Budgam on the death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi.
“I represent the legacy of a martyr and a halal bloodline. I am signing the document of my freedom. From 2:40 pm today, I am no longer part of the NC,” he said, adding that he would forward his resignation to the party through Muhammad Ashraf Mattoo.
Ruhullah launched a direct attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing him of taking a U-turn on Article 370 after the Assembly elections out of fear of the BJP.
“Dr Farooq Abdullah should teach the Quran to his ‘Na-Ahal’ (incompetent) son Omar Abdullah, who, out of fear of the BJP, took a U-turn on Article 370 immediately after the Assembly elections,” he said.
Questioning the party leadership’s commitment to its promises, Ruhullah alleged that the NC had failed to stand by the commitments made to people during the 2024 Assembly elections, particularly on the restoration of Article 370, constitutional safeguards, reservation policy and the release of prisoners.
He maintained that his decision was rooted in ideological differences rather than personal grievances or dissatisfaction over the denial of any position in the government.
“You once flooded me with messages thanking me for restoring NC’s dignity,” he said, taking a swipe at the party leadership and accusing it of betraying the trust placed in it by the electorate.
Ruhullah also indicated that his departure from the NC did not necessarily mean joining another political party. Instead, he said he wanted to bring together honest and committed young people from Jammu and Kashmir on a common platform to work towards meaningful political change.
Appealing to parents to encourage their educated and hardworking children to enter public life, he said the region needed a new generation of politically conscious people who understood public concerns and were committed to safeguarding the interests of Jammu and Kashmir.
Ruhullah asserted that he would not compromise on his principles for power or political positions, adding that his decision was driven by concerns over the dignity and aspirations of the people.
Meanwhile, his announcement concerned his exit from the National Conference. His membership of the Lok Sabha will continue unless he separately submits a resignation as MP and the Lok Sabha Speaker accepts it. Any resulting vacancy would be dealt with under the applicable constitutional and electoral provisions.
