National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament (MP) Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has publicly criticized his own party's government in Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly failing to fulfill electoral promises and address key issues. This criticism comes at a crucial time as the party holds key meetings to discuss its future strategy and address internal concerns.

Mehdi's recent remarks have sparked debate and raised questions about the direction and priorities of the Omar Abdullah administration. He has voiced his discontent with the NC for not advancing key agendas, including the restoration of Article 370, the Waqf Bill, and reservations. He emphasized that the party should not adopt the rhetoric of the BJP.

"We made promises to the people that we will fight for the return of protections linked to Article 370. We received votes on that. We cannot switch to a different language after getting that mandate," Mehdi stated, highlighting his disagreement with the NC's stance on the reservation issue and promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections.

Mehdi also expressed his concerns about the government's perceived inaction on the political front. "As a year has come to an end since the elected government took over, I believe whatever was needed on the political front has not been done so far, and the intent that was mandatory has not been shown yet," he said. He stressed that the government's primary responsibility is to serve the people and address their concerns. "If people are happy, then I am happy. But if they have been raising queries, then the government needs to listen to them with seriousness and should be concerned over it," he added.

In response to Mehdi's criticism, Education Minister Sakina Itoo challenged his actions in Parliament, questioning his effectiveness in raising the issues. Itoo's remarks exposed a subtle rift within the National Conference. Mehdi defended his record, citing meetings with Amit Shah and raising various issues, including the release of Kashmiri detainees, illegal detentions, and Waqf encroachments. He also mentioned addressing railway, road, and health issues.

Mehdi has clarified that his criticism stems from a commitment to principles and not from a desire for positions of power. He reiterated that he has no plans to form a new party. He also mentioned that he was not invited to the Working Committee meeting for the first time since 2002 and criticized the Deputy Chief Minister as an "opportunist".

Furthermore, Mehdi demanded immediate compensation and a government job for the family of Bilal Ahmad Songoo, who was killed in the recent Delhi blast. He condemned the incident as a "murder of humanity" and emphasized that no tragedy should be communalized.

Mehdi's public criticism of his own party's government underscores the growing dissent within the NC ranks. His remarks highlight the challenges the party faces in fulfilling its promises and addressing the concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The outcome of the key meetings being held by the party will likely determine the future course of the NC and its relationship with its dissenting members.