Location: Srinagar / Budgam, Jammu & Kashmir
Political Update: Left party over Article 370 issue; Rebel MLAs also issue 14-day ultimatum to Omar Abdullah government
Internal political turmoil within the ruling National Conference (NC) in Jammu and Kashmir has erupted into the open. While 25 disgruntled party MLAs have escalated the crisis by serving a 14-day ultimatum to the government, NC's influential MP from Srinagar, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, announced his resignation today from both primary party membership and his Lok Sabha seat. Ruhullah's move is being viewed as a major political setback for the Omar Abdullah government and the National Conference.
Major Announcement from Budgam Rally: "Omar and Farooq Backtracked on Article 370 Promise"
Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi announced his resignation today while addressing a massive public gathering in Budgam on the 26th death anniversary of his late father, Aga Syed Mehdi.
Primary Reason for Resignation: Targeting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Party President Farooq Abdullah directly, Ruhullah stated that both leaders are backtracking on the promises made during the 2024 assembly elections regarding the restoration of Article 370 after coming to power.
Political Journey: A two-time MLA from the Budgam constituency, Ruhullah won the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat with a massive mandate in the 2024 general elections and was considered one of the party's most vocal faces.
Crisis for Government: 14-Day Ultimatum by 25 Rebel MLAs
Just prior to the MP's resignation, 25 National Conference MLAs adopted a rebellious stance on Sunday by issuing a 14-day ultimatum to the party high command.
Threat of Support Withdrawal: The rebel MLAs warned clearly that if their demands are not met within the specified timeframe, they will withdraw support from the Omar Abdullah government.
Formation of 4-Member Delegation: To present their demands to the party leadership, the aggrieved MLAs formed a 4-member delegation led by Gurez MLA Nazir Ahmad Gurezi and Thanamandi MLA Muzaffar Iqbal Khan. The team will soon meet Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah to submit their memorandum. The MLAs have decided to await a response to the ultimatum before deciding their future course of action.
Root Cause: October 27 Cabinet Expansion and Disregard for Senior Leaders
The spark for this rebellion within the National Conference caught fire following the October 27 expansion of the Omar Abdullah cabinet. Changes made to the ministry angered several senior party MLAs:
Induction of New Ministers and Removal of Independent: Four NC MLAs—Ali Mohammad Sagar, Mir Saifullah, Shameema Firdous, and Altaf Ahmad Kaloo—were inducted as ministers, while Independent MLA Satish Sharma was removed from the cabinet.
Resentment Among Senior MLAs: Senior MLAs like Nazir Ahmad Gurezi and Mubarak Gul were excluded from cabinet berths, leading to widespread dissatisfaction within party ranks.
Partial Damage Control: As discontent grew, party chief Farooq Abdullah attempted damage control by appointing Mubarak Gul as the new Party General Secretary, replacing Ali Mohammad Sagar.
Rebellion Sparked by Neglect: While Mubarak Gul was accommodated within the organization, senior MLA Nazir Ahmad Gurezi was completely sidelined. Angered by this neglect, Gurezi rallied the rebel MLAs and opened a front against his own government by delivering the ultimatum to the high command.
