Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi Announces Exit from National Conference, Says He Will Resign as MP

Addressing a large gathering of supporters at Behisti Zehra Park in Budgam, Mehdi accused the Abdullah leadership of failing to uphold the commitments made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Opening his speech with a direct criticism of Omar Abdullah, he said, "The chair you occupy today has power, but no respect; if you want to see respect, come to Budgam."

Mehdi Recalls Circumstances Behind 2024 Lok Sabha Contest

Mehdi explained that he had agreed to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections after being approached by the National Conference leadership. He said he had initially refused to participate in the Assembly elections because he believed the political process that began in 1953 and culminated in the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 had taken away the people's dignity and sense of self-reliance.

He claimed that senior NC leaders had repeatedly urged him to contest the parliamentary election, arguing that Parliament was the appropriate platform to raise public concerns.

According to Mehdi, the party had assured him that restoring Article 370 and securing the dignity of the people were central objectives. He alleged that the leadership initially asked him to contest from Baramulla before subsequently proposing Srinagar.

Mehdi said he had agreed to the proposal and later told Omar Abdullah, following his defeat in the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency, that the responsibility of representing the people's concerns and the party's honour rested with him.

He added that he had suggested Omar's electoral defeat could lead to a larger political role for him in Jammu and Kashmir.

Accuses NC Government of Going Back on Election Promises

Mehdi also criticised the National Conference over its campaign promises and subsequent decisions after returning to power in Jammu and Kashmir.

He alleged that party leaders had sought votes by appealing to the public but failed to deliver on several commitments after winning the Assembly elections.

Referring to promises concerning Article 370, reservation policies, free LPG cylinders and electricity, Mehdi questioned the government's performance.

He particularly criticised the reservation framework, claiming that candidates in the open merit category were left with only 30 per cent of seats in educational training and government employment opportunities.

He also recalled Omar Abdullah's campaign promise to remove smart electricity meters by throwing them into the Jhelum River, alleging that electricity tariffs were instead increased after the party came to power.

Direct Challenge to Farooq and Omar Abdullah

Addressing Farooq Abdullah, Mehdi questioned whether the party president and his son were following the principles they expected others to uphold.

Referring to Farooq Abdullah's earlier advice that he should read the Quran, Mehdi said its teachings also applied to the party leadership. He cited the religious message of standing against oppression and not losing hope.

He further accused Omar Abdullah of lacking the courage to confront political challenges, warning that the people of Jammu and Kashmir would eventually remove him from power. He added that support from Delhi would not be enough to protect the Chief Minister from public anger.

Mehdi said he was leaving the political position he had held after years of association with the National Conference, adding that he was happier relinquishing power than remaining attached to a position without public respect.

Announces End of 24-Year Association

Concluding his address, Mehdi announced that he was ending his 24-year association with the National Conference and would also give up his Lok Sabha membership.

He signed documents resigning from the party's primary membership in front of the gathering in Budgam.

His announcement marks a significant political development for the National Conference, which returned to power in Jammu and Kashmir following the 2024 Assembly elections.