In a seismic political event for the ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) party, on November 3, 2026, Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi made a public announcement regarding his departure from the party as well as from its parliamentary seat. Taking the podium at Zahra Park in Budgam while commemorating the death anniversary of his father, the MP officially bid farewell to the party after decades of political association.
By blaming Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and NC leadership for breaching solemn commitments made during the election campaign of the year 2024 with respect to the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, constitutional rights, and the reforms of quotas, as well as the release of political prisoners, the ex-MLA criticized them publicly.
‘Promises are larger than chairs’: Ruhullah attacks party leaders
Directly attacking his direct opponent – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah – the noted politician accused the party leaders of deviating from the original tenets of the party.
“I want to take this responsibility because, in my opinion, this is the only solution,” Mehdi stated, as large banners bearing slogans like “Promises are bigger than chairs” and “Politics of character, politics of principles” lined the route from his residence to the venue.
Reactions swiftly followed from rival political camps. J&K BJP leader Ravinder Raina characterized the exit as a severe blow to the ruling coalition, stating that the resignation of a three-time MLA and former minister has sent alarm bells ringing across the National Conference.
Revolt brews within NC as 25 MLAs issue ultimatum
Ruhullah’s high-profile exit exacerbates an escalating internal rebellion triggered by an October 27 cabinet expansion, in which Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inducted four new ministers.
14-day ultimatum: A dissident faction of 25 NC lawmakers issued a two-week deadline demanding a complete administrative overhaul, including the removal of all sitting cabinet ministers and the dismissal of the Chief Minister’s advisor.
Formal resolution: Sixteen legislators have signed a formal petition condemning top-down governance, while nine additional lawmakers have expressed backing.
Threat to government stability: Rebel leaders warned that if the party leadership fails to resolve their grievances within the 14-day window, they will march to Raj Bhavan to officially withdraw support from the Omar Abdullah-led administration.
NC negotiators dispatched to defuse government crisis
In response to the dual challenge of Ruhullah’s resignation and the growing legislative revolt, the NC high command has dispatched senior negotiators to open direct dialogue with individual dissident MLAs.
Party emissaries are attempting to reach a compromise and prevent a floor test crisis before the two-week deadline expires.
