J&K: Srinagar MP Ruhullah Mehdi set to quit NC and Lok Sabha on Tuesday as party faces MLA dissent
The MP says the National Conference has failed to pursue its poll promises, including Article 370; party leaders say differences after the cabinet expansion are an internal matter and the party remains united.
Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi is due on Tuesday, November 3, to resign from the National Conference (NC) and from his Lok Sabha seat, in what would be the most visible break yet in Jammu and Kashmir's ruling party since it returned to power in 2024.
Ruhullah has said he will announce the step at a public gathering at Behisht-e-Zehra Park near the Deputy Commissioner's office in Budgam. The date marks the death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi.
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Why the MP says he is leaving
In statements over the weekend, Ruhullah said the party had not acted on promises made in the 2024 Assembly campaign, particularly the restoration of Article 370, along with issues of constitutional rights, reservation and the release of prisoners. He questioned recent remarks by party president Farooq Abdullah on Article 370 and asked why he should keep a seat won on the party's symbol.
He has insisted his reasons are ideological. He said he had no personal grievance about not getting any post, that he opposed any attempt to topple the government through horse-trading, and that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's government should complete its five-year term.
Unease among legislators
His exit comes as the party deals with discontent after the recent cabinet expansion. About 18 legislators met on Friday at the Srinagar residence of Lolab MLA Qaiser Jamsheed Lone, and were reported to have discussed a fresh reshuffle and the role of some ministers and advisers. Party insiders told reporters that the group sought Ruhullah's support, but he declined, saying his differences were not linked to cabinet posts.
Senior leader Mubarak Gul is scheduled to address a press conference on November 4, amid confusion over the post of general secretary.
NC's response
NC Kashmir Provincial President Showkat Ahmad Mir has rejected talk of a revolt, describing Friday's meeting as a routine gathering ahead of the Darbar Move, when government offices shift to Jammu for the winter. He acknowledged disappointment over the cabinet expansion but said members were free to voice differences and that the party would stay united.
If Ruhullah goes through with the resignation, the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat would fall vacant, setting up a by-election that would test the NC in its Kashmir heartland.
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