Srinagar. In the politics of Jammu and Kashmir, differences within the National Conference have started coming to the fore. Srinagar MP Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has announced his resignation from both the party and Lok Sabha membership. He has fixed the date of November 3 for this. Accusing the party leadership of not fulfilling the promises made during the elections, Ruhullah said that he does not want to be a part of such political decisions which will harm the public trust.
According to the information released on social media by Ruhullah's office, along with leaving the National Conference, he will also leave his Lok Sabha seat on November 3. On the same day, he will address the people at Behisht-e-Zahra Park in Budgam on the death anniversary of his father and leader Aga Syed Mehdi. In this program he can also talk about his future political steps.
Questions raised on Article 370 and release of political prisoners
Ruhullah accused the party leadership that during the assembly elections, the public was promised restoration of Article 370, release of political prisoners and protection of the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. After coming to power, the party could not take the expected steps on these issues.
Targeting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the top leadership of the party, he also raised questions about nepotism and the influence of a limited group of leaders. Ruhullah says that the party was not shown seriousness towards fulfilling the promises on the basis of which it had sought support from the public.
Resentment had also increased regarding reservation policy
The differences between Ruhullah and the party leadership have not emerged suddenly. The MP had also expressed his displeasure regarding the rationalization of reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir. He had been criticizing the decisions of the party leadership for more than a year.
In August this year, he had written a letter to National Conference President Farooq Abdullah indicating his resignation. Even at that time he had said that the party should fix accountability towards the public. Now he has made the date of resignation public.
Growing internal challenge for Omar government
Amidst Ruhullah's announcement, another news of dissatisfaction within the National Conference has come to light. At least 17 MLAs of the party have raised objections to the leadership regarding the way decision making in the organization and the influence of a limited group of leaders. The MLAs have demanded party president Farooq Abdullah and vice president Omar Abdullah to find a solution to these issues within 15 days.
It was told that the displeasure of the MLAs is also regarding cabinet expansion and decisions being taken without consulting them. However, the MLAs have currently denied any plan to break the party.
Election promises of 2024 in discussion again
The National Conference had included many issues in its election agenda for the 2024 assembly elections, including restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, employment for youth and electricity. The party has been saying that due to the limited powers of the Union Territory, there are difficulties in fulfilling many promises.
Ruhullah's decision to resign has come at a time when the displeasure of the MLAs within the party is also coming to the fore. The politics of Jammu and Kashmir will keep an eye on his address on November 3 and the steps taken thereafter.