NC MP Ruhullah Challenges Party Leadership Over Statehood Demand

Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi has escalated his public rift with the National Conference (NC) leadership, writing a letter to party president Dr Farooq Abdullah that challenges the party's current political stance on Jammu and Kashmir.

In his letter, released on social media, Mehdi argued that the NC's demand for statehood alone is now indistinguishable from the BJP's position. He questioned why the party leadership would object when he asks the same questions that Abdullah himself raised in a recent public address, where he spoke about the need for self-reliance.

Mehdi contended that by treating statehood as the ceiling of their political ambition, the party is effectively legitimising the constitutional changes of August 2019. He warned that this approach risks surrendering the constitutional protections that are vital for the region's unique geopolitical and cultural context.

The MP also raised pointed questions about the party's 2024 election manifesto, which he helped draft. He asked why the restoration of Article 370 was included if the party did not intend to pursue it after forming the government, accusing the leadership of using the issue for political mileage.

Addressing calls for his resignation, Mehdi said it would come, but only after accountability. Sources indicate he may resign in November, following a conference of MPs he is organising on October 31.

The letter follows Abdullah's public challenge for Mehdi to seek a fresh mandate without the party's backing. The MP has been excluded from internal party meetings for months and has repeatedly criticised the NC government's performance and its handling of constitutional issues.