November 3: Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, a Member of Parliament from the National Conference, an INDIA bloc constituent, has resigned from the Lok Sabha and ended his 24-year association with the party. Mehdi, who won the Srinagar parliamentary constituency in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as a National Conference candidate backed by the INDIA bloc, formally announced his decision on Tuesday.
He made the announcement before a gathering of supporters at Behisht-e-Zehra Park in Budgam on the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi. He described his decision as a “victory for the politics of principles”.
Mehdi accused the National Conference leadership of failing to honour promises made to the people during the 2024 elections. He specifically cited the restoration of Article 370, protection of the constitutional rights of Jammu and Kashmir, changes to the reservation policy and the release of prisoners.
In his resignation letter, Mehdi referred to the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in 2019 and the political situation that followed in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the developments had created a need for a strong political struggle to restore people's rights. He had aligned himself more closely with the National Conference, believing that the party would lead that struggle. However, he alleged that the party changed its political position after securing a significant public mandate in the elections.
Mehdi also criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the party leadership. He alleged that instead of continuing the struggle for people's rights, the National Conference had prioritised running the government. These remarks represent Mehdi's political allegations.
Clarifying his decision, Mehdi said it was not driven by personal grievances, disappointment over not receiving a party position or a desire for political power. He maintained that he could not compromise on his conscience, principles and political convictions.
He also said that his objective was not simply to leave one party and join another. Instead, he indicated that he wanted to bring together committed young people and like-minded individuals to build a platform focused on the rights and welfare of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
On November 3, Mehdi submitted his resignation as a Lok Sabha member to Speaker Om Birla. His letter invoked Article 101(3)(b) of the Constitution and Rule 240 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha. The Srinagar parliamentary seat will become officially vacant only after the Speaker accepts his resignation.
