Internal conflict within Jammu and Kashmir National Conf

Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, a Member of Parliament for the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), initially addressed internal friction within his party. He accused the leadership of creating an atmosphere against him and failing to provide accountability, noting that he faced daily demands to resign despite his mandate to advocate for the people of Kashmir.

Mehdi subsequently announced his intention to resign from both the National Conference and his seat in the Lok Sabha. He cited ideological differences, alleging the party failed to uphold its manifesto regarding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Articles 370 and 35A, focusing instead on statehood. He plans to formally submit his resignation on November 3 and indicated he may contest the resulting Srinagar Lok Sabha by-election.

In a letter to NC President Farooq Abdullah, Mehdi characterized the party’s shift in political direction as a “brazen moral failure.” He argued that prioritizing the restoration of statehood over the reinstatement of Articles 370 and 35A effectively legitimizes the constitutional changes enacted in August 2019. Mehdi noted that his chosen resignation date, November 3, coincides with the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi. He indicated that following his departure, he may contest the Srinagar Lok Sabha by-election as an independent candidate.