National Conference MP from Srinagar, Ruhullah Mehdi, has revealed that his party has nearly severed all communication with him following his participation in a student-led protest in December last year.
The protest, held outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence, opposed what Ruhullah described as a discriminatory and anti-Kashmir reservation policy. Ruhullah, a prominent and respected political figure in Kashmir, enjoys significant support among both Sunni and Shia youth, who view him as a principled and honest leader.
In a post on X, Ruhullah explained that until the Assembly elections and for a short time thereafter, his views were taken seriously within the party. He said he was assured that, even if the party didn’t always agree with his methods, it shared his broader political vision.
However, he noted that the situation changed after he joined the student protest, with communication between him and the party leadership becoming “almost non-existent.” Ruhullah suggested that his opinions no longer hold weight within the party, citing a major shift in the political atmosphere since the Assembly elections.
He recalled that from the time he was persuaded to contest the Parliamentary elections up until the Assembly polls, his views were considered important and influential in guiding the party’s direction. But following the elections, the party’s interest in his input seemed to wane.
Despite this, Ruhullah expressed understanding of the NC’s need to manage its ties with the central government for the sake of governance.
He said he chose not to protest this shift in party dynamics, adding that he didn’t want to be blamed later for potentially hindering the restoration of statehood. “At least they can’t say they would have gotten the statehood in two or three months if I had not spoilt it for them,” he remarked.
Ruhullah also addressed criticism from those who accuse him of being part of a political drama or fixed match. He said he does not feel the need to prove his sincerity to anyone, asserting that he answers only to his conscience and to God.
Amidst this, there have been unconfirmed reports circulating in public discussions suggesting that Ruhullah, along with some NC and opposition MLAs, was allegedly conspiring to withdraw support from the Omar Abdullah-led coalition government—similar to the 2018 episode when the BJP pulled out of the coalition, triggering major political changes in the region.
However, no such move has taken place so far, even though several NC MLAs have openly questioned the government on various contentious issues including the reservation policy, the liquor ban, student protests, the regularisation of daily wage workers, and the recent Waqf amendment act.
In response to the public outcry, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged the protesters’ concerns and stated that a Cabinet sub-committee had been formed to re-evaluate the reservation policy. He assured that the government was in dialogue with all stakeholders to arrive at a fair and balanced resolution.
Also Read: J&K deputy CM visits estranged NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi
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