Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi quits National Conference, says he will resign from Lok Sabha

Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, the National Conference MP from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, has announced that he is leaving the party. He also announced that he will resign his Lok Sabha membership.

Mehdi made the announcement in Budgam, at a public meeting held at Behisht-e-Zahra Park on the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi. He addressed the gathering and declared his decision there. With this, his political association of about 24 years with the National Conference is close to ending.

At the meeting, Mehdi accused the party leadership of not fulfilling its election promises. He said that in the 2024 Assembly elections the National Conference had sought public support on issues such as restoration of Article 370, release of political prisoners and protection of the constitutional rights of Jammu and Kashmir. According to Mehdi, after coming to power the party did not take the steps it should have taken to fulfil these promises.

Mehdi made clear that his decision was not driven by any post or personal grievance. He said the reasons were principles and the promises made to the people that had not been kept. He also said he did not want to be a party to betrayal.

He also spoke about the way ahead. Mehdi said his aim was not to move from one party to another. He intends to bring together honest and committed young people of Jammu and Kashmir and build a new political platform.

Addressing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by name, Mehdi said, "The chairs you are sitting on are a cause of sorrow for you as well as for us." He said leaders are usually upset when they lose their chairs, but he was giving up his and was happy about it. Taking a dig at Abdullah, he said that if he wished to see real respect, he should come to Budgam.

Mehdi told his supporters that his fight was not for any personal post or political gain. It was for the promises made to the people and for principles. He also appealed to parents to encourage their children to come forward to bring change in society.