Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, the Srinagar Member of Parliament and a prominent leader within the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), has recently sparked considerable discussion regarding his future within the party. His recent statements emphasizing the need for "accountability" in the political system, coupled with his apparent distancing from key NC events, have led to speculation about a growing rift between him and the party's leadership.
Mehdi's political career began in 2002, and he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a three-time MLA from Budgam and serving as a cabinet minister in the Jammu and Kashmir government. He is known for his outspoken nature, particularly his strong opposition to the abrogation of Article 370 and his advocacy for the rights and unique identity of Jammu and Kashmir. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Mehdi won the Srinagar constituency by a significant margin, demonstrating his continued popularity and influence.
However, recent events suggest a potential divergence in ideology and approach between Mehdi and the NC leadership. At a public gathering in Sopore, Mehdi expressed discontent with the current political scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need for political reform, accountability, and ethical governance. He urged the public to actively participate in holding political leaders accountable and rejecting opportunistic politics.
Mehdi's remarks have been interpreted by some as a hint towards the formation of a new political platform. While sources close to Mehdi have denied these claims, stating that his focus is on changing the quality of politics rather than organizational shifts, the speculation persists. His call for people "who will walk with me to bring accountability to the system" has further fueled the rumors.
Adding to the intrigue is the noticeable absence of senior NC leaders and local representatives at Mehdi's Sopore event. While Mehdi downplayed the significance of their absence, stating that he was invited by civil society members and saw no reason to decline, it has raised questions about intra-party dynamics and support.
This isn't the first time that a potential rift between Mehdi and the NC leadership has been reported. In May 2025, there were reports of a clash between Mehdi and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during a working committee meeting, with Mehdi allegedly questioning the party's "departure from its ideological stand" and accusing the leadership of "abandoning" core promises. While the party denied that Mehdi had walked out of the meeting, his subsequent social media activity and public statements suggested ongoing differences.
Mehdi's independent streak has been evident on other occasions as well. He has publicly opposed the Union Government's reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir, even leading a protest against the policy without formal backing from the NC. He has also been critical of the party's silence on certain issues, further highlighting his willingness to take a different stance from the party line.
The situation is further complicated by the NC's current position in the Jammu and Kashmir political landscape. While the party secured a significant electoral mandate in the 2024 elections, it faces challenges in navigating the complex political dynamics of the region, particularly in the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370.
Whether Aga Ruhullah Mehdi is indeed considering a new political path remains to be seen. However, his recent statements and actions undoubtedly signal a growing sense of unease with the current political climate and a desire for greater accountability and adherence to core principles. His next steps will be closely watched by political observers and the people of Jammu and Kashmir alike.
