Estranged National Conference (NC) Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has reaffirmed his intention to resign from both the party and his Srinagar parliamentary seat on November 3, launching a sharp critique against the NC leadership. Mehdi accused the party’s top brass of a “collective betrayal” of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and of abandoning the political struggle for the restoration of Article 370.
Confirming his resolute decision, Mehdi stated that nothing has changed since he initially announced his departure. He emphasized that the chosen date for his resignation holds profound personal and moral significance, marking the death anniversary of his late father, Aga Syed Mehdi, who was assassinated on November 3. This legacy, Mehdi explained, deeply influences his political endeavors and moral compass, making the date a symbolic turning point in his life. The slight delay in his resignation also allowed him to finalize the disbursement of his MPLADS funds for public developmental projects.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Mehdi feels a sense of “collective betrayal” stemming from the NC’s perceived shift in political stance following the 2024 general elections. He articulated that the party had made specific commitments to the electorate, which he believes were subsequently abandoned after securing electoral victories. Mehdi asserted that the consistency and conviction with which he pursued his political agenda were undermined by his own party, which he claims cast aspersions on his struggle.
According to Mehdi, the friction within the party reached a critical juncture when senior leadership directly requested his resignation. He alleged that the head of the party explicitly instructed him to step aside, implying a desire to evade accountability. “When the head of the party asks you to resign and ease them of any accountability, that’s when you have to take a call,” Mehdi was quoted as saying. He further recounted that he was told, “If I think Article 370 can be restored, I should go and fight for that — which means they don’t want to continue with the struggle or be held accountable to their promises.”
Commenting on the Jammu and Kashmir government’s two-year performance report under Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Mehdi dismissed claims of significant political and governance achievements. He pointed to the party’s resolutions, noting that while one resolution in 2024 called for the restoration of special status, another passed two years later appeared to dilute the earlier stance. “They dilute their own stand within two years,” Mehdi remarked. He also highlighted that the party chief has on multiple occasions stated that his primary focus is the restoration of statehood, seemingly overlooking the constitutional protections that Article 370 provided.
Mehdi conveyed that his experience over two years as an MP with the NC has taught him a significant lesson: “not to trust individuals in that party on face value.” When confronted with warnings from critics about a potential “political blunder” by vacating his seat, Mehdi expressed indifference to electoral calculations or material benefits. He indicated a desire to return to grassroots politics and foster a broader political movement grounded in principles.
Looking forward, the outgoing MP expressed his aspiration to reconnect with the people and identify like-minded individuals who share a commitment to principles and possess the conviction to pursue their political objectives. Regarding potential alliances with other regional parties, Mehdi reiterated that his paramount priority remains the restoration of constitutional rights and dignity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He stated his willingness to explore any avenue that serves this objective.
Mehdi’s decision to resign on November 3 is deeply rooted in his personal history and political convictions. The date, marking the anniversary of his father’s assassination, serves as a potent symbol of his commitment to a political path shaped by his father’s legacy. This timing also allowed him to ensure that public developmental works funded through his MPLADS were not disrupted. His critique of the NC leadership centers on an alleged departure from core principles and electoral promises, particularly concerning the fight for the restoration of Article 370. He perceives this shift as a betrayal of the electorate’s trust and a move towards what he terms “comfortable politics” over principled stands.
The MP’s allegations suggest a fundamental divergence in political strategy and commitment between himself and the NC’s top leadership. His assertion that he was asked to resign by the party chief implies a desire within the leadership to distance themselves from the contentious issue of Article 370 and its restoration, potentially to avoid accountability. Mehdi’s view is that the party has diluted its stance on special status, prioritizing statehood over the broader constitutional protections previously afforded by Article 370. This perceived inconsistency and lack of conviction have led him to question the leadership’s commitment to their stated political goals.
Mehdi’s public pronouncements indicate a significant rift within the National Conference, highlighting a generational or ideological divide on the approach to political issues in Jammu and Kashmir. His intention to build a new political force suggests a belief that the existing political landscape is insufficient to address the aspirations of the people. His focus on principles and conviction, as opposed to electoral expediency, positions him as a figure seeking to redefine political discourse in the region. The implications of his resignation could lead to a realignment of political forces and a re-evaluation of strategies concerning the constitutional status 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.
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