Srinagar, Sep 12: Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Saturday said his political course beyond November 3 would be decided collectively with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, while leaving open the possibility of forming a new political party.
Ruhullah, who has already announced that he will resign as Srinagar MP and from the National Conference on November 3, made the remarks while speaking to media persons after joining the protest by veterinary students at SKUAST-K. His decision to resign on November 3, the death anniversary of his father Aga Syed Mehdi, was announced last month following his escalating differences with the NC leadership.
Asked about his future political plans, Ruhullah said November 3 would first mark his “freedom” from what he described as political “chains”.
“First let me free myself from some chains on 3rd November. I will break those chains, I will free myself, I will cut the rope,” he said.
He made it clear that he was not announcing a new political party at this stage, saying any such decision would be taken after consultations across Jammu and Kashmir.
“Whether to make a party or not, what to do, it will be a collective decision, with the people of the whole of Jammu and Kashmir, sitting together, and especially with the youths,” he said.
Ruhullah also stepped up his criticism of the National Conference leadership over its decision to retain the Chief Minister’s position within the Abdullah family following the 2024 Assembly elections.
He said the party could have chosen a Chief Minister from outside the family.
“If they wanted, they could have done a leadership role; they could have made a Chief Minister outside the family; they could have made someone else,” he said.
Taking a further swipe at the party leadership, Ruhullah said, “Chief Minister is a temptation; we could not resist that temptation.”
“Leadership is the name of principle stand. Leadership is the name of conviction,” he added.
Ruhullah’s remarks come amid a widening political rift with the NC leadership. His differences have centred on the party’s post-2019 political position and its approach towards issues including the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. He had earlier accepted NC president Farooq Abdullah’s challenge to resign and seek a fresh mandate.
Responding to comments by NC MP Mian Altaf Ahmad on the functioning of the government, Ruhullah said he did not want to interpret his colleague’s remarks.
“I respect him. He should interpret his own words,” he said, adding that Mian Altaf should explain himself if he had any complaint against the government.
On Farooq Abdullah’s challenge, Ruhullah said he would respond politically at an appropriate time.
“God willing, it is being arranged. We will play this match politically, in the coming time,” he said.
