The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) suffered a major setback on Tuesday after Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah announced his exit from the party and resigned from his parliamentary seat. The development adds to the political challenges facing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, whose government is already grappling with a rebellion by a section of its legislators.
Making the announcement at a large gathering in Budgam, Ruhullah ended his decades-long association with the NC, accusing the party leadership of abandoning the commitments it had made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The 48-year-old leader said he could no longer remain associated with a party that had moved away from its promises on the restoration of Article 370, constitutional rights, reservation reforms and the release of political prisoners.
Reacting to the development, BJP leader Ravinder Raina described Ruhullah’s departure as a significant setback for the ruling party.
“He has served as an MLA three times and has also held a ministerial position. His resignation is a major setback for the National Conference,” he said.
NC Faces Fresh Crisis Amid Rebellion By 25 MLAs
Ruhullah’s departure comes at a time when the NC is struggling with growing dissent within its ranks. The internal differences intensified following the October 27 Cabinet reshuffle, during which Omar Abdullah inducted four new ministers.
The situation escalated further on Monday, when 25 disgruntled NC legislators issued a 14-day ultimatum to the party leadership. The rebel group threatened to withdraw support from the government if its demands were not addressed.
The dissident lawmakers have called for a complete restructuring of the Omar Abdullah administration, including the removal of all sitting ministers and the dismissal of the Chief Minister’s advisor.
They have also accused Abdullah and his close associates of sidelining the party’s traditional consultative approach and taking decisions without adequately involving other leaders.
Who Is Aga Syed Ruhullah?
A prominent Shia cleric from Budgam, Ruhullah, 48, emerged as an influential ideological voice within the NC following the Centre’s decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in August 2019.
His departure marks a significant break with a party he had been associated with for decades. Ahead of Tuesday’s announcement, a post on his X account indicated a new political direction.
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“876 days we kept our heads down serving J&K. Tomorrow, November 3, a new journey starts,” the post read. Ruhullah also chose the death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi Mustafa, to announce his political departure.
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