Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi announced his resignation from the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) on November 3, 2026, bringing his long-standing association with the party to an end amid growing differences over its political direction and electoral commitments.
Ruhullah made the announcement during a public gathering at Behisht-e-Zehra Park in Budgam, held on the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi. During the gathering, he signed his resignation letter from the party in front of supporters and criticised the National Conference leadership over issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional rights and political commitments.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Issue/Event: Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi resigns from the National Conference and submits his Lok Sabha resignation.
Location: India
Authority/Organisation: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference and Lok Sabha.
Action Taken: Ruhullah announced his party resignation publicly and submitted a formal resignation letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker.
Impact: The development creates a new political situation around the Srinagar parliamentary seat and Ruhullah's future political activities.
He also submitted his resignation from the Srinagar parliamentary constituency to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. In a letter dated November 3, Ruhullah described his parliamentary resignation as voluntary and requested the Speaker to accept it under Article 101(3)(b) of the Constitution and Rule 240 of the Lok Sabha's Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.
However, the parliamentary seat does not become vacant merely because an MP submits a resignation. The Speaker must first accept it. Therefore, the status of the Srinagar seat will depend on the Speaker's decision.
Ruhullah's main criticism concerned what he described as the National Conference leadership's failure to pursue commitments made during the 2024 elections. He particularly referred to the party's position on the restoration of Article 370, constitutional protections, reservation policy, the release of prisoners and other public commitments.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Ruhullah's departure is significant because he was elected to Parliament on a National Conference ticket and had been associated with the party for around 24 years. His public criticism raises questions about the party's internal differences, its electoral commitments and its political approach towards important issues in Jammu and Kashmir. The development may also influence future political discussions in the region. However, its longer-term impact will depend on the Speaker's decision, Ruhullah's next political steps and the National Conference's response.
He accused party president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of moving away from the political positions presented to voters during the election campaign. These statements represent Ruhullah's allegations and political assessment, rather than established findings.
The differences between Ruhullah and the party leadership had been developing for months. One major public disagreement emerged in December 2024, when he supported students protesting against reservation-related issues in education and government employment in Jammu and Kashmir.
His association with the party had become increasingly strained as he questioned its approach towards the restoration of special constitutional status and the handling of other issues raised during the election campaign.
Ruhullah was elected to the Lok Sabha from Srinagar in 2024 on a National Conference ticket. Before entering Parliament, he had represented the Budgam Assembly constituency for three terms and had been associated with the party for approximately 24 years.
During his November 3 address, Ruhullah indicated that he wanted to build a broader political movement involving young people and individuals committed to public welfare, dignity and the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He did not present a fully established new political party structure, but his remarks signalled an intention to pursue an independent political platform.
The National Conference responded sharply to his resignation and public criticism. In a statement reported by The Indian Express, the party accused Ruhullah of acting against its interests and questioned his political record. It also defended its approach towards constitutional issues, stating that the restoration of statehood and protection of identity remained central to its political position.
The exchange reflects a public political disagreement between a former senior party member and the leadership of the ruling National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir.
The development could have implications for political alignments in the region, particularly because Ruhullah won the Srinagar parliamentary seat on the party's ticket. However, the immediate political consequences will depend on subsequent decisions, including the Lok Sabha Speaker's response to his resignation and whether Ruhullah establishes a separate political organisation or movement.
For now, his departure marks a significant change in his relationship with the National Conference, while the party's response indicates that the disagreement remains unresolved.
