SRINAGAR, OCT 30: Srinagar Lok Sabha MP and senior National Conference leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has invited the public to attend a programme scheduled for November 3 at Behisht-e-Zehra Park in Budgam, where he is expected to make a major political announcement concerning his resignation.
Posters carrying the MP’s invitation have surfaced at several locations, announcing a programme titled “Resignation Announcement” at Behisht-e-Zehra Park, near the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Budgam. The invitation describes the gathering as a major political announcement and carries the message “Voice of the Voiceless”, while appealing to people to participate in the event.
Although the invitation prominently refers to a resignation announcement, it does not specify the exact circumstances or provide details about the proposed decision. His political future, including the possibility of stepping down from both the National Conference and his Lok Sabha membership, has consequently become a subject of considerable political attention.
Ruhullah, who was elected to the Lok Sabha from Srinagar in the 2024 general elections, has remained at odds with the National Conference leadership over what he has described as the party’s failure to fulfil promises made to voters in its election manifesto.
His differences with the party also became evident during the Budgam Assembly by-election, when he stayed away from campaigning for NC candidate Aga Syed Mehmood.
The Budgam Assembly seat had fallen vacant after Chief Minister and NC Vice President Omar Abdullah, who had won both Budgam and Ganderbal constituencies in the Assembly elections, chose to retain Ganderbal and vacate Budgam. In the subsequent by-election, NC candidate Aga Syed Mehmood was defeated by Peoples Democratic Party candidate Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi.
Ruhullah’s absence from the NC campaign was widely viewed as a reflection of his continuing differences with the party leadership and its political approach.
Meanwhile, speculation has also emerged about his possible political realignment following the proposed November 3 announcement, including reports suggesting a potential move towards the Congress party. However, neither Ruhullah nor the Congress leadership has officially confirmed any such development.
The November 3 gathering is therefore expected to provide greater clarity on his political intentions, his future association with the National Conference and the possibility of any change in his parliamentary position.
For now, the exact nature of the announcement remains undisclosed, leaving the upcoming Budgam event under close political scrutiny.
