The resignation of Srinagar MP and senior National Conference leader Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi from the party has triggered a major political storm in Jammu and Kashmir, with reactions pouring in from across
the political spectrum.
Aga Ruhullah, one of the most prominent Shia faces of the National Conference and Member of Parliament from Srinagar, announced his resignation from the party today, dealing a significant blow to the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference. The development comes at a time when the party is already grappling with internal dissidence, with several MLAs openly expressing resentment against the leadership.
The BJP was quick to capitalise on the development and termed it as a proof that National Conference is a sinking ship.
BJP’s Reaction: NC A Failure, A Sinking Ship
Reacting to the development, senior BJP leader and MP Jugal Kishore Sharma launched a scathing attack on the National Conference. He said that the exit of Aga Ruhullah shows that National Conference has completely failed as a political party.
Jugal Kishore Sharma said, “National Conference is a failure. The exit of Aga Ruhullah Mehdi shows that neither its MLAs nor its MPs are happy with the leadership of Omar Abdullah. No one wants to sit on a sinking ship. Everyone is trying to jump out.”
He further added that Aga Ruhullah has taken a wise decision by leaving the National Conference.
“He knows that Omar Abdullah and National Conference have no future. The party has lost credibility among the people. They promised the moon during elections – restoration of Article 370, statehood, jobs, but delivered nothing. Aga Ruhullah is an intelligent leader and he knows where the party is heading. So he has taken a wise decision to leave,” Jugal Kishore Sharma said.
The BJP leader also said that the BJP is the only party which is fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, J&K is on the path of development and peace.
Congress Reaction: Aga Is A Mature Person, No Talks Of Joining Congress As Of Now
Jammu and Kashmir Congress President Tariq Hamid Karra, while reacting to Aga Ruhullah’s resignation, said that it is his personal decision and Congress or any other party has nothing to do with it.
Karra described Aga Ruhullah as a mature political person. “Aga Ruhullah Mehdi has taken a decision. Congress or any other party has nothing to do with it. He is a mature person, a mature politician. He must have thought through before taking this decision. We respect his decision,” Tariq Karra said.
When specifically asked whether Aga Ruhullah will join the Congress party as is being projected by some sections of media and social media, Karra said that nothing like this is happening as of now, but no one can predict the future in politics.
“As of now, nothing like this is happening. There have been no talks. But in politics, no one can say what will happen in future. The future is always open. But at present, this is his personal decision,” Karra said, keeping the doors open for a possible future alignment.
Political observers see Karra’s statement as significant because Congress and National Conference are allies in the INDIA bloc, and Aga Ruhullah joining Congress could change the political equations in Kashmir valley, especially in the Shia-dominated Budgam and Srinagar areas.
PDP Reaction: NC Failed To Fight For Article 370
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also reacted sharply and said that Aga Ruhullah’s exit exposes the failure of National Conference to fight for the restoration of Article 370 and special status.
Senior PDP leader Varinder Singh Sonu said that although this is an internal matter of National Conference, it clearly shows that the party has failed to live up to the expectations of the people.
“This is an internal matter of National Conference. But Aga Ruhullah’s exit shows that National Conference has failed to fight for the restoration of Article 370 and special status. They took votes in the name of Article 370 and statehood. Aga Ruhullah was the only leader who was consistently raising the issue of Article 370, political prisoners, reservation issue inside and outside Parliament. When the party leadership itself silenced him, what option was left for him?” Sonu said.
The PDP leader said that people of Jammu and Kashmir are disillusioned with National Conference because after getting a massive mandate, the party has failed to deliver on its core promises.
Dissident NC MLA: Failure Of Leadership
Adding to the embarrassment of National Conference, a dissident MLA of the party, on condition of anonymity, also said that Aga Ruhullah’s resignation is a failure of the leadership. “This is a failure of leadership. We have been saying this for a long time. The leadership is not listening to workers, not listening to MLAs, not listening to MPs. Aga Ruhullah was not an ordinary worker. He is a sitting MP from Srinagar. He is the biggest Shia face we had. If he is forced to leave, it means there is something seriously wrong with the way party is being run,” the dissident MLA said.
He said that many MLAs are unhappy with the style of functioning and if corrective measures are not taken, more leaders may leave.
“There is huge resentment among MLAs. We are not being heard. Decisions are being taken by a coterie. If leadership does not open its eyes now, this is just the beginning,” he warned.
Political Significance
Aga Ruhullah Mehdi’s resignation is being seen as a major setback for National Conference ahead of crucial Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections. Ruhullah holds considerable influence among Shia voters in Central Kashmir, especially in Budgam, and was seen as a vocal and principled voice within the party.
His resignation also comes just days after he openly criticized the party leadership over various issues including reservation policy and restoration of Article 370. He had recently led protests over reservation policy as well.
With BJP calling NC a sinking ship, Congress keeping its cards close to its chest, PDP calling it a moral failure on Article 370, and internal dissidents blaming leadership, the pressure is mounting on Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah to put their house in order.
All eyes are now on what will be Aga Ruhullah’s next political move – whether he will float his own party, join Congress, or remain independent.
