Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah to Resign from Lok Sabha and NC on November 3

Srinagar Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah Mehdi has announced his intention to resign from the Lok Sabha and the primary membership of the National Conference on November 3, the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi. This decision stems from a significant ideological divergence with the party leadership, particularly regarding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

Information was available with The Chenab Times that Mehdi confirmed his resignation plans to NDTV, citing a widening rift with the National Conference over what he describes as the party leadership reneging on its election promise to fight for the restoration of special constitutional provisions, including Articles 370 and 35(A), for Jammu and Kashmir.

Mehdi stated his desire not to be associated with what he termed as “lies and betrayal.” He intends to formally submit his resignation letters to the Lok Sabha Speaker and National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah on November 3. This date holds personal significance as it marks the death anniversary of his father, who was killed in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast.

Leading up to his resignation, Mehdi plans to hold a public rally in Budgam, his stronghold, on his father’s death anniversary. During this rally, he intends to formally release his resignation letter and elaborate on the reasons behind his departure. He also mentioned his commitment to disbursing funds under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) before his official resignation. Furthermore, he has invited several Members of Parliament to a conference in Srinagar as part of his efforts to advocate for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights.

The Srinagar MP has previously voiced criticism against the National Conference leadership, including former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, for allegedly abandoning the party’s core ideology and its commitment to securing the return of Article 370. Mehdi believes the party is now making excuses for its failure to uphold its promises to the electorate.

Following his resignation from Parliament and the party, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi indicated his intention to contest any upcoming by-elections for the Srinagar seat, potentially as an independent candidate, after consulting with the people. His strained relationship with the National Conference has been evident for some time. In October of the previous year, the party faced a significant defeat in the by-election for the Budgam Assembly seat, which had been vacated by Omar Abdullah. This loss was reportedly exacerbated by Mehdi’s refusal to campaign for the party’s candidate and his outspoken criticism of the then Chief Minister.

During election campaigns, the National Conference had pledged to advocate for the restoration of Article 370 in its manifesto. Mehdi argues that soon after securing electoral victories, the party deviated from this commitment, using the current political landscape as a justification. He questioned the party’s rationale, pointing out that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which abrogated Article 370, was the same political entity present when the National Conference made its electoral promises. Mehdi asserted his commitment to his convictions and principles, refusing to be a party to what he perceives as deceit.

Responding to reports of Mehdi’s impending resignation, National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah had previously challenged the MP to resign and seek a fresh mandate from the people if he believed his electoral success was solely based on personal credibility rather than the party’s support. Mehdi’s immediate response indicated his intent to honor such a challenge, stating that he would not disappoint Dr. Abdullah.

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