Srinagar, November 3: In a major political development in Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has announced his resignation from the National Conference (NC), accusing the party leadership of betraying the people’s mandate and abandoning its commitments on the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights.
In his resignation letter dated November 3, 2026, Ruhullah said his decision was guided by his conscience, political principles and opposition to what he described as the growing political disempowerment of Jammu and Kashmir.
Recalling the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A in August 2019, Ruhullah described the move as a major assault on the rights of the people. He said he had initially viewed the National Conference as a platform capable of leading the struggle for the restoration of the region’s political rights.
However, he alleged that despite receiving a massive public mandate in the 2024 Assembly elections, the party failed to fulfil people’s expectations and shifted its focus towards government formation rather than continuing the political struggle.
Ruhullah also criticised the party leadership over its approach towards Article 370, statehood and the political future of Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that his concerns were not adequately addressed.
In his letter, he said he could no longer remain associated with a political direction that, in his view, compromised the interests and aspirations of the people.
The resignation marks a significant setback for the National Conference and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s leadership, potentially triggering fresh political realignments in the region.
Hints at Formation of New Political Alternative
Following his departure, Ruhullah has indicated that he is exploring the possibility of bringing together individuals with political conviction and integrity to establish an alternative political platform in Kashmir.
In an interview, he said he was in contact with several people but would not announce a new political formation until he identified individuals he could trust. He also indicated the possibility of contesting a by-election from the Srinagar parliamentary constituency as an Independent candidate.
The timing of his resignation is also significant, coinciding with the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi, who was killed in 2000.
Ruhullah’s departure is expected to intensify political debate over the National Conference’s ideological direction, its commitments on Article 370 and the future of regional political representation in Jammu and Kashmir.
