States » NorthPosted at: Nov 3 2026 3:47PM


Ruhullah Mehdi quits NC, resigns as MP; launches blistering attack on Omar and Farooq

Srinagar, Nov 3 (UNI) Srinagar Member of Parliament Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday announced his decision to sever ties with the National Conference (NC) and resign his MP post, bringing to an end nearly 24 years of association with the party, while launching a scathing attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC president Farooq Abdullah.
Announcing this at a massive rally in Budgam, organised to mark the 26th death anniversary of his father, who was killed in a militant attack in Magam.
In a fiery address, the 49-year-old accused the NC leadership of betraying the mandate given by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that the party had reneged on its electoral commitments, particularly regarding the restoration of Article 370 and protection of the rights and dignity of the people.
Taking a direct swipe at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Ruhullah said the authority of the chair he occupies did not necessarily command respect. "He (Omar Abdullah) should come here and see what respect and love mean. The chair may have authority but has no respect," he said.
"The party has turned into a stinking drain that now trades the dignity and respect of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The NC begged me to contest the 2024 parliamentary elections. I have recorded everything, and I will expose them all," he said and questioned Omar Abdullah's position on Article 370, accusing him of changing his stand after the Assembly elections.
"Dr Farooq Abdullah should give lessons of Quran to his 'Na-Ahal' (incapable) son, who is scared and hopeless because of the BJP and took a U-turn on Article 370 immediately after the Assembly elections," he said.
Referring to Omar Abdullah's remarks praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the inauguration of the Sonamarg tunnel, Ruhullah questioned his understanding of Kashmir's winter conditions. "Had you been a Kashmiri and known the weather of Kashmir, you would have known that no clouds and sunshine during Chillai Kalan is a curse and a bad omen, not a blessing," he said.
"You broke all records of betrayal and disgracing the people of Jammu and Kashmir. You acted like a prince but as a slave to the BJP and the RSS. The way we raised you to the throne, we will bring you down — not for returning in the next elections but for a permanent burial," he fumed.
Addressing Farooq Abdullah, Ruhullah expressed hope that the NC president would live to see a new generation of leadership emerge in Jammu and Kashmir.
"May Almighty give Dr Farooq Abdullah a long life to see us replace his 'Na-Ahal' with an honest and principled youngster," he said, adding he had no regrets about his decision.
Hinting at launching a new political party, Ruhullah said he would reach out to far-flung areas, including Rajouri and Poonch, to identify and bring together young and experienced people.
In a symbolic gesture, Ruhullah handed over his resignation to Muhammad Ashraf Mattoo, father of Tufail Mattoo, a teenager who was killed during the 2010 unrest in Srinagar, when Omar Abdullah was the Chief Minister, rather than submitting it to NC president Farooq Abdullah.
“ I am Azad (free) now,” he announced.
His exit marks a significant rupture within the NC, coming after months of increasing public differences with the party leadership and Chief Minister. A three-time MLA from Budgam, Ruhullah entered electoral politics at a young age after NC president Farooq Abdullah personally invited him to join the party. The invitation came two years after his father, a Congress leader, was killed in a militant attack.
His political influence is rooted in his family's standing in central Kashmir, particularly among the Shia community. His uncle, Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi, a prominent Hurriyat leader, heads the influential Anjuman Sharie Shian, while his cousin Aga Muntazir Mehdi of the PDP represents Budgam in the Assembly. Muntazir won the seat in the by-election held after Omar Abdullah vacated it, following Ruhullah's decision not to support the NC candidate.
Ruhullah's departure could also test the NC's political standing as the ruling party is dealing with discontent within its own legislative ranks.
Days after four new ministers were inducted into the Cabinet, more than a dozen NC legislators assembled in Srinagar, with several expressing unhappiness over the expansion and questioning decisions taken by the party leadership.
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Tags: #Ruhullah Mehdi quits NC# resigns as MP; launches blistering attack on Omar and Farooq
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