Budgam, Nov 3: Senior National Conference leader and Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday announced his decision to part ways with the party and said he would resign from his Lok Sabha membership, launching a sharp attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the party leadership over what he termed their failure to honour electoral commitments.
Making the announcement while addressing a gathering at Behisht-e-Zehra Park in Budgam on the death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi, Ruhullah expressed strong dissatisfaction with the functioning of the National Conference and accused its leadership of going back on promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir during the Assembly elections.
He clarified that his differences with the party were rooted in ideological and political principles rather than personal ambitions or the denial of any position.
Ruhullah said he was unwilling to remain associated with an organisation which, in his assessment, had failed to stand firmly by its commitments, particularly on the restoration of Article 370, constitutional safeguards, reservation policy and the release of prisoners.
Taking a direct swipe at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, he questioned his political decisions and alleged that he had changed his stand on Article 370 shortly after the Assembly elections under pressure from the BJP.
Referring to NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah, Ruhullah remarked that he should teach the Quran to his “Na-Ahal” (incompetent) son Omar Abdullah, accusing the Chief Minister of abandoning his earlier political position out of fear of the BJP.
Maintaining that his decision was not driven by the pursuit of power or political positions, Ruhullah said his stand was guided by principles, dignity and the aspirations of the people.
Elaborating on his future political course, he said he did not intend to merely leave one political party and join another but wanted to bring together honest, dedicated and politically conscious youth from Jammu and Kashmir on a common platform.
He appealed to parents to encourage their educated and hardworking children to enter public life and contribute towards meaningful change in society.
Ruhullah said he envisioned a platform of sincere young people who understood the difficulties faced by the public and were committed to safeguarding the interests of Jammu and Kashmir.
His announcement marks a significant development within the National Conference amid questions over the party’s electoral commitments and its position on major political and constitutional issues.
Meanwhile, the Srinagar parliamentary seat will become officially vacant only after the Lok Sabha Speaker accepts Ruhullah’s formal resignation. Any subsequent by-election will be conducted in accordance with the applicable constitutional and electoral provisions. (Agencies)