Budgam, Kashmir | October 29, 2026 : Political tensions within the National Conference (NC) have intensified as Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi reaffirmed his decision to resign from both the party and his parliamentary seat on November 3, accusing the party leadership of abandoning its political commitments to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a sharp attack on the party leadership, including NC president Farooq Abdullah, Ruhullah alleged that the party had prioritised “comfortable politics” over principles and its promises concerning the restoration of Article 370.
🔥 ‘I FELT COLLECTIVELY BETRAYED’
Ruhullah maintained that nothing had changed since he first announced his intention to quit, describing the party’s post-election political direction as a betrayal of public expectations.
He alleged that the consistency and conviction with which he had fought for the restoration of constitutional protections were undermined by his own party.
According to Ruhullah, the differences reached a breaking point when the party leadership asked him to step aside and pursue the Article 370 issue independently.
🗓️ WHY NOVEMBER 3?
The MP said the date carries deep personal and moral significance because it is the death anniversary of his father, the late Aga Syed Mehdi, who was assassinated on November 3.
He described his father’s legacy as a guiding force behind his political outlook and moral compass.
Ruhullah also said the delay before his planned resignation gave him time to disburse his MPLADS funds for public development works.
⚖️ SHARP CRITICISM OVER ARTICLE 370 AND STATEHOOD
Commenting on the Omar Abdullah-led government’s two-year record, Ruhullah questioned the consistency of the National Conference’s position on special status.
He criticised what he described as a shift between the party’s 2024 resolution seeking restoration of special status and a subsequent resolution that, according to him, diluted the earlier position.
He further alleged that the party leadership had increasingly focused on restoring statehood while giving insufficient attention to the constitutional protections associated with Article 370.
These remarks reflect Ruhullah’s criticism of the party’s political direction and its handling of the issue.
🗳️ ‘I WANT TO GO BACK TO THE PEOPLE’
Rejecting suggestions that leaving Parliament would amount to abandoning his constituents, Ruhullah said he was not driven by electoral calculations or material benefits.
Looking ahead, he expressed a desire to return to the grassroots, connect with like-minded individuals and build a broader political force grounded in principles and conviction.
On the possibility of working with other regional parties, he said his priority would remain the restoration of constitutional rights and dignity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
📌 A SIGNIFICANT POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT
Ruhullah’s proposed departure could mark a major turning point in his relationship with the National Conference and intensify debate over the party’s commitments on Article 370, special status and statehood.
His resignation remains scheduled for November 3, according to his statement. The political implications will depend on what follows and how the party and its supporters respond.
