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Party sources indicate that top leaders are holding closed-door meetings to prevent other members or Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from exiting alongside Ruhullah
Aides clarified that Ruhullah does not intend to engineer a formal split within the NC. They stated his position is centred on policy principles, election commitments, reservation frameworks, and youth employment issues. File pic/PTI
The ruling National Conference (NC) in Jammu and Kashmir is experiencing heightened internal tension after its prominent leader and Srinagar Member of Parliament, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, announced his intention to resign from the party and his parliamentary seat on November 3.
The announcement has pushed the NC leadership into crisis management mode. Returning to power after a decade with a strong electoral mandate, the party is now confronting its first major internal challenge since forming the government.
Party sources indicate that top leaders are holding closed-door meetings to prevent other members or Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from exiting alongside Ruhullah.
Cabinet Expansion Triggers Internal Discontent
The current friction follows a recent cabinet expansion exercise. Several senior MLAs expecting ministerial portfolios were excluded, leading to dissatisfaction within party ranks and creating conditions for potential internal division.
An NC leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity, acknowledged the leadership’s concerns regarding the situation.
“The party leadership is very concerned and is taking steps to ensure that no leader exits alongside Aga Ruhullah. Several MLAs expressed dissatisfaction after being excluded during the cabinet expansion. With Aga Ruhullah setting November 3 as his departure date, there are concerns that aggrieved MLAs could align with him,” the leader stated, adding that attempts to engage with discontented members have yielded limited results so far.
At A Glance
National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi announced his intention to resign from the party and his parliamentary seat on November 3.
The internal tension was triggered by a recent cabinet expansion exercise that excluded several senior MLAs expecting ministerial portfolios.
Dissatisfied established legislators reportedly include Mubarak Gul, Abdul Majeed Larmi, Nazir Ahmed Gurezi, and Aijaz Jan.
Party and government leaders including Sakina Itoo, Javeed Ahmed Dar, and Surinder Choudhary have publicly downplayed reports of an impending rift.
Key Legislators Express Dissatisfaction
Political observers report that several established legislators are dissatisfied with recent decisions. These include senior figures such as Mubarak Gul, Abdul Majeed Larmi, Nazir Ahmed Gurezi, and Aijaz Jan.
These leaders hold significant influence in their respective constituencies and have long-standing associations with the party. Their grievances extend beyond cabinet non-inclusion to feelings of marginalisation despite their electoral performance and party loyalty.
Should any sitting MLAs choose to depart alongside Ruhullah on November 3, it would present a notable political challenge for the NC leadership.
Party Leadership Downplays Split Concerns
Officially, the party and government leadership have sought to play down reports of an impending rift.
Cabinet Ministers Sakina Itoo and Javeed Ahmed Dar, alongside Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, maintained that the party remains stable, describing the NC as an enduring movement rather than a standard political entity.
“The National Conference functions as a family and a historic movement that has navigated various political cycles. No party member will depart with Aga Ruhullah on November 3. Reports of a split are unfounded, and the party remains united,” a senior cabinet minister stated.
Government representatives added that dissatisfaction over cabinet appointments is common in major political parties and will be resolved through internal dialogue.
Ruhullah Mobilises Support in Budgam
In contrast, representatives close to Aga Ruhullah indicate preparations are underway for a public gathering on November 3.
Sources close to the Srinagar MP stated that he is conducting meetings with core supporters at his residence in Budgam ahead of the scheduled date.
Aides clarified that Ruhullah does not intend to engineer a formal split within the NC. They stated his position is centred on policy principles, election commitments, reservation frameworks, and youth employment issues.
His campaign team has maintained a neutral stance on whether any sitting MLAs will join him, stating that the full context of the move will be evident on November 3. This uncertainty continues to draw close attention from party strategists.
Focus Turns to November 3 Deadline
Political analysts view the upcoming date as a crucial juncture for the region’s political landscape.
If Ruhullah proceeds independently, the NC leadership may contain the organisational impact. However, if accompanied by sitting legislators, the development would mark a formal internal challenge to the leadership of Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are monitoring the situation prior to formulating their respective strategies.
With the deadline approaching, the NC leadership continues efforts to address internal grievances before November 3.
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Ask News18Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi announced his plans to resign from the National Conference and his parliamentary seat following a war of words with party leadership and accusations that the party backed away from its manifesto promises and diluted its position on Article 370 and special status.
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Srinagar, India, India
October 29, 2026, 22:50 IST
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