Introduction
National Conference MP for Srinagar, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, has said that Jammu and Kashmir has continuously lost its powers over the years, while its political leadership has failed to regain them. Speaking to reporters during an interaction in Baramulla on Sunday, Ruhullah framed his criticism as a reflection of the broader political situation rather than an attack on any individual or party.
Ruhullah's Broader Critique
"J&K has always lost things and not gained, from statehood to Article 370. Politically, J&K has not gained anything right from the outset," Ruhullah said, as reported by Greater Kashmir. He argued that the region's political leadership has repeatedly failed to secure gains, a pattern he says extends from the loss of statehood to the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Ruhullah also questioned the National Conference's approach after coming to power, alleging that the party changed its position on rights lost after 2019. He said people had placed their trust in the NC during the 2024 Assembly elections based on commitments regarding the restoration of those rights. "I ask only for the rights which we told people during election campaigning. It is the party's words too and not mine alone. Kashmiris put trust in NC on the rights lost after 2019," he said.
Challenge to Party Leadership
The MP questioned why elected representatives and party members could not raise concerns if they believed the party leadership had deviated from its commitments. "Why can't I raise issues against the party? We are not slaves of the party. We can raise genuine questions if the party is not on the track," he said, according to Greater Kashmir.
Ruhullah also questioned the growing focus on restoration of statehood, saying it is not the only issue on the NC's political agenda. He recalled that NC vice president and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had earlier criticised those who focused only on statehood, adding that the political agenda extended beyond that single issue.
"Parties are accountable to people, not above questions," he said, asserting that political parties should remain open to scrutiny from those who supported them.
Daring the Party over Article 370
The Times of India reported that amid calls for his resignation from party functionaries, Ruhullah dared the party to issue him a show-cause notice and said he would continue to fight for the restoration of Article 370. He accused his party of giving up that fight, which he said was the mandate it received in the 2024 assembly polls.
"When my own political party gave me the mandate, they told me to fight for the constitutional rights of the state. I am fighting the same battle and asking the party to be part of it. In response, they are telling me to resign," Mehdi told reporters, as quoted by The Times of India.
His remarks came in response to a statement by CM Omar Abdullah's adviser Nasir Aslam Wani, who said he had no information about whether Mehdi was still on the party's rolls. Ruhullah said, "Instead of Article 370, instead of constitutional rights and guarantees, they have now reached the issue of statehood and from there to mere business rules for governance."
Perspectives
National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi
Ruhullah maintains that his party has abandoned its commitments on Article 370 and constitutional guarantees, shifting focus to statehood and governance rules. He insists he is fighting the battle he was mandated to fight and challenges the party to take action against him if it disagrees.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister's Adviser Nasir Aslam Wani
Wani's statement, as relayed by The Times of India, indicated uncertainty about whether Ruhullah remains on the party's rolls, suggesting a possible rift or distancing within the party ranks.