Srinagar Lok Sabha Member Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, who is estranged from the National Conference and has set a November 3 deadline to leave the party, has stated that he does not intend to raise the issue of reservation in Jammu and Kashmir with the lieutenant governor. Mehdi described the office of the lieutenant governor as an “undemocratically imposed institution” that functions akin to a colonial viceroy. This stance was articulated during a live audio conversation on X, where the MP, whose departure from the NC is considered a foregone conclusion, fielded a range of questions.
During the extensive discussion, which spanned nearly two hours, the Srinagar MP addressed queries concerning the existing reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir. This policy had previously been the subject of a student demonstration led by Mehdi outside the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in December 2024. When questioned about the possibility of staging a similar protest outside the Lieutenant Governor’s office, given that the government has indicated the reservation sub-committee report is now with the LG, Mehdi expressed a willingness to march alongside the Chief Minister if he were to take the lead.
The current reservation policy in the Union Territory allocates 67 percent of jobs and admissions to professional courses. Mehdi had previously spearheaded a protest advocating for the rationalization of this reservation system in J&K. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Mehdi’s reluctance to direct criticism towards the Lieutenant Governor’s office stems from a refusal to legitimize what he perceives as an undemocratic structure. “I do not recognise the institution of the lieutenant governor. For me, he is a viceroy. It is an undemocratically imposed institution upon us, and I do not recognise it as such,” Mehdi stated, as reported by The Tribune India. He further elaborated that the Parliament of India serves as the appropriate forum for addressing the reservation issue in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that he had already posed two questions related to the matter in the parliamentary setting. This approach is informed by the Jammu and Kashmir government’s communication that the relevant file has been forwarded to the Union government for consideration.
Following the administrative reclassification of Jammu and Kashmir to a Union Territory, significant cabinet decisions are now routed through the Lieutenant Governor’s office to the Central government. The Jammu and Kashmir administration had established a cabinet sub-committee on December 10, 2024, with the mandate to review the existing reservation policy. This move was prompted by widespread grievances voiced by job aspirants and students regarding the reservation quota being expanded to 67 percent within the Union Territory. The Tribune India reported that in April 2024, the Lieutenant Governor-led administration amended Rule 4 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004. This amendment effectively increased the total reserved quota from 43 percent to 67 percent, with an additional 3 percent horizontal reservation designated for ex-servicemen. Consequently, candidates falling under the general category are left with a 33 percent share in job opportunities and admissions to professional courses. This significant alteration had ignited considerable uproar among various political parties in the Union Territory, as well as among students from the general category.
Outlining his strategic direction following his anticipated resignation from the National Conference, Mehdi indicated that his primary focus would be on engaging directly with the public and consolidating a network of like-minded individuals. “The idea after that is that I will go back to people and inform them about my achievements and also list out my objectives for setting things correct,” he said, as per the report. This approach signifies a commitment to grassroots engagement and a clear articulation of his future political agenda, independent of his current party affiliation. The MP’s firm stance against the legitimacy of the Lieutenant Governor’s office underscores a broader political sentiment regarding the administrative structure in Jammu and Kashmir post its Union Territory status. His decision to utilize parliamentary channels for raising concerns, while simultaneously disavowing direct engagement with the LG’s office, highlights a strategic divergence in how political issues are being addressed within the region.
The expansion of the reservation quota from 43 percent to 67 percent, including the additional 3 percent for ex-servicemen, has been a contentious issue, leading to widespread discontent among various sections of the population. The amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004, by the LG-led administration, has been at the center of the debate, with critics arguing that it disproportionately affects general category candidates. The sub-committee formed to review the policy was tasked with addressing these grievances, but its report’s current status with the Lieutenant Governor’s office has led to the current impasse in direct dialogue for some political actors. Mehdi’s position suggests a belief that the ultimate decision-making authority, and thus the appropriate forum for negotiation and resolution, lies with the Union government, accessible through parliamentary representation.
Mehdi’s earlier protest at the Chief Minister’s residence in December 2024 demonstrated his commitment to advocating for the rationalization of reservation. His participation in student demonstrations further emphasizes his focus on issues impacting youth and their future prospects. The current political climate in Jammu and Kashmir, characterized by the ongoing debate over reservation policies and the administrative framework, is a significant factor shaping political discourse. The MP’s planned post-resignation strategy of public outreach and team building indicates a move towards establishing an independent political platform. This strategy aims to connect directly with constituents, present his track record, and outline his future objectives, thereby seeking to garner support for his political endeavors. The emphasis on informing the public about his achievements and setting forth his objectives suggests a desire to build a narrative of accountability and forward-looking governance, centered on the needs and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.