Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi to resign from National Conference and Lok Sabha

Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi plans to step down from the National Conference and resign from his Lok Sabha seat on Tuesday. The departure falls on the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi, marking the end of a rocky two-year period between the parliamentarian and his political home.

Future Plans

The three-time former legislator from the Budgam Assembly seat is currently looking for individuals with minimal political baggage to build a new platform based on strict moral principles. He acknowledges the difficulty of this undertaking but views it as a necessary step for the region.

Background

Farooq Abdullah brought the young politician into the National Conference following the militant attack that killed his father, a former Congress figure, in Magam. Belonging to a prominent Shia clan in Budgam, his family holds notable influence across central Kashmir. His relatives include Hurriyat leader Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi and current Budgam PDP MLA Aga Muntazir Mehdi.

Tensions

The split stems from sharp disagreements regarding the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370, ties with the ruling central administration, and unmet campaign promises. Public criticism directed at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the party leadership widened the gulf over time.

Context

Regional politics in Jammu and Kashmir have long revolved around powerful political dynasties and deep ideological battles over statehood and constitutional autonomy. Major local parties like the National Conference face continuous pressure from constituents to reverse changes made to the region's governance and special status.