National Conference's (NC) Srinagar Member of Parliament (MP), Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, has once again publicly criticized his own party, accusing it of "begging" for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, and abandoning the fight for Article 370. This is not the first time Mehdi has voiced his discontent with the NC's approach, highlighting a growing rift within the party regarding its political direction and representation.
Mehdi addressed his supporters in the Anantnag district of South Kashmir, stating that the people had voted in large numbers in the October 2024 assembly elections, driven by frustration with the existing system. He emphasized that the people's mandate was for a system accountable to them, not merely for any particular party. However, he lamented that despite this clear message, the NC has been reduced to "beggars". He asserted that fighting for their rights and facing defeat is preferable to constantly begging for small concessions.
Mehdi's criticism extends to the NC's stance on Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir before its abrogation in 2019. He has accused the party of abandoning this critical issue, implying a compromise of its core ideology. In contrast, Mehdi maintains that the people voted for the reversal of the decisions taken on August 5, 2019, and that the NC has a responsibility to launch a struggle for the restoration of Article 370.
The MP's remarks have sparked reactions from other political figures. Former Chief Minister and People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief, Mehbooba Mufti, expressed her dismay that a sitting MP was allegedly prevented from holding a meeting by his own government. She pointed out the "double standards and political hypocrisy" apparent in the situation, especially when NC leaders are voicing concerns over the arrest of other political figures.
This latest criticism from Mehdi underscores the internal challenges faced by the National Conference. While the party, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, seeks the restoration of statehood through appeals to national political parties and emphasizes governance, Mehdi advocates for a more assertive approach, rooted in the restoration of Article 370 and a rejection of what he perceives as a "begging" mentality. He believes that the NC should actively seek allies across India to restore Jammu & Kashmir's special status.
The differing viewpoints within the NC reflect the complex political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. The abrogation of Article 370 and the subsequent bifurcation of the state into Union Territories have significantly altered the region's political dynamics. While the Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional validity of these actions, it has also mandated the eventual restoration of statehood.
However, the timeline and conditions for restoring statehood remain uncertain. The central government has linked the restoration of statehood to the establishment of stability in the region, while critics argue that the delay undermines federalism and limits the powers of elected representatives. The Supreme Court has also acknowledged the need to evaluate the ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir carefully before restoring statehood, particularly in light of recent terrorist attacks.
Aga Ruhullah Mehdi's continued criticism highlights the tension between those who prioritize the restoration of statehood and those who believe that the fight for Article 370 should remain the central focus. His accusations of "begging" and abandoning core principles reflect a deeper concern that the NC is compromising its ideological stance in pursuit of political expediency. The coming months will likely reveal whether these internal divisions will further fracture the party or if a unified path forward can be forged.
