BUDGAM — Preparations intensified in Budgam on Sunday ahead of Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi’s announcement that he intends to resign from Parliament and the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) on November 3, amid growing tensions within the ruling party.
Mehdi is scheduled to address a gathering at Behisht-e-Zehra Park in Budgam on Tuesday, coinciding with the death anniversary of his late father, Aga Syed Mehdi, where he is expected to formally act on his previously announced decision.
The MP has accused the National Conference leadership of failing to fulfil its election promises, particularly those concerning the restoration of Article 370, the release of prisoners and the protection of people's rights.
Speaking to reporters, Mehdi rejected suggestions that his decision was linked to personal grievances or any alleged horse-trading within the party.
“November 3rd marks the death anniversary of my late father, and on that very day, the resignation that was previously announced will be carried out. Please do not associate me with any potential 'horse-trading' that might occur within the National Conference. I neither desire nor support horse-trading,” he said.
“My struggle is based on principles. It stems from the fact that the promises and assurances the National Conference gave to the people during the elections have not been fulfilled or acted upon. I have not been deprived of any position; I harbour no personal grievance over failing to secure a specific post or office,” he added.
In a statement issued by his office, Mehdi also accused the party leadership of treating Jammu and Kashmir as a family estate and betraying the promises on which it had sought public support.
The statement said the party had sought votes on commitments including the restoration of Article 370, the release of prisoners and protection of people's rights, but had failed to act on them.
“There is no fixing this rot from within,” the statement said, adding that Mehdi would surrender his Lok Sabha seat rather than become an accomplice to what it described as the betrayal of the promises made to voters.
The developments prompted political reactions, with Jammu and Kashmir Minister Javed Rana saying Mehdi's departure would not affect the party.
“If Aga Sahab decides to part ways, he will do so alone. If he leaves, he leaves by himself... Why would it affect the party?” Rana said.
He denied any resentment within the National Conference and maintained that the party remained united under its leadership.
“The JKNC is strong, the government under the leadership of the Chief Minister is robust, and the organisation, under the leadership of Dr Farooq Sahab, stands firm, as solid as a rock,” he said.
Meanwhile, locals gathered at Behisht-e-Zehra Park ahead of Mehdi's scheduled address, with some expressing support for his decision.
A local resident from Wahipora told ANI that people had assembled after receiving a call from Mehdi and were awaiting his announcement.
“We have come because Aga Sahib called us to gather here at Behisht-e-Zehra Park in Budgam today. We have heard that Aga Sahib is going to make a major decision in his life. Whatever that will be, it will be made public shortly in front of everyone,” the resident said.
He said he believed Mehdi's decision was driven by public commitments rather than personal interests and expressed support for the MP.
“Why wouldn't we stand with him? He speaks for us. If he were speaking for his own personal interests, we would not support him. Whatever decision he takes, we stand with him,” he added.
The proposed resignation marks a significant political development amid questions over internal differences within the National Conference following the party's time in government. However, Mehdi's resignation from the Lok Sabha and the party should be treated as pending until formally submitted and confirmed.
The article first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse at https://kashmirpulse.com/politics/aga-ruhullah-mehdi-set-to-resign-as-mp-quit-nc/117164.html
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