Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi to Resign as Srinagar MP, Quit National Conference on November 3

Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has reiterated his decision to resign from Parliament and quit the National Conference (NC) on November 3, intensifying his political confrontation with the party leadership over its approach to Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights and electoral commitments. Mehdi has accused the party of undermining his efforts and moving away from the principles it had promised to uphold.

In his remarks, Mehdi said he had continued his political struggle with commitment and conviction but felt that his own party had tried to malign his efforts and question his intentions. He argued that the differences had made it necessary for him to take a clear stand. ‘You Had His Back, He Stabbed You in the Back’: Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi’s Sharp Swipe at Yusuf Pathan Amid TMC Revolt.

Ruhullah Mehdi Accuses National Conference of Undermining His Efforts

Explaining his decision, Mehdi said the National Conference’s conduct over the past two years had made it difficult for him to continue pursuing his political agenda within the party. He said his commitment to the people and the struggle he had undertaken had been questioned by his own party, despite his efforts to remain consistent with the principles he believed in.

According to Mehdi, the party leadership was moving in a direction that contradicted its electoral commitments. He maintained that such a divergence weakened the clarity and purpose of the political struggle he wanted to pursue.

Ruhullah Mehdi to Quit NC and Lok Sabha on November 3

Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir’s Political Future at the Centre of Rift

Mehdi’s differences with the National Conference leadership have centred on the party’s approach to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional status, including Article 370, which was abrogated by the Centre in August 2019. The MP has questioned whether the party is doing enough to pursue the commitments it made during the 2024 elections. He has also criticised the idea of treating the restoration of statehood as the limit of Jammu and Kashmir’s political aspirations. No Bigger Political Catastrophe Than Elected Govt Deceiving Its People: NC's Ruhullah Mehdi.

The National Conference, led by Farooq Abdullah, had made the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status a significant part of its political agenda. Mehdi’s criticism reflects a broader disagreement over how the party should pursue those commitments after coming to power in the Union Territory.

Farooq Abdullah’s Challenge Escalated the Dispute

The announcement of Mehdi’s planned resignation followed a public challenge from NC president Farooq Abdullah, who had asked the Srinagar MP to resign and seek a fresh mandate if he believed his electoral victory rested on his personal support rather than the party. Mehdi subsequently confirmed that he intended to leave both the party and Parliament. He has maintained that his decision stems from ideological differences and concerns over the party’s political direction.

His planned departure marks a significant escalation in the internal differences within the National Conference, particularly over the party’s position on Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights.

What Happens After November 3?

Mehdi has indicated that he intends to consult people who share his political principles after November 3 to determine how to continue his efforts for Jammu and Kashmir’s rights. He has left open the possibility of working with like-minded individuals but has not confirmed whether he will form a new political party or join an existing one.

His planned resignation could have wider implications for the National Conference and the political debate surrounding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional status. As of the latest available reports, November 3 remains the date Mehdi has identified for his planned resignation. The formal submission and acceptance of his resignation from the Lok Sabha would be separate steps in the process.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 28, 2026 09:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).