Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Farooq Abdullah’s Resignation Challenge Deepens Ruhullah’s Rift
A disagreement has grown between the National Conference party and its Srinagar MP, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi.
Party president Farooq Abdullah told Ruhullah to resign from Parliament and ask voters whether they still support him.
Ruhullah did not immediately resign, but said he would answer soon.
This has created speculation that he might leave the party.
Ruhullah has criticized the party government for not keeping some election promises.
He also says the party is not doing enough to defend Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights.
Farooq Abdullah says Ruhullah is trying to make himself a bigger political leader for personal benefit.
The disagreement has also involved Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and has lasted for several months.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah challenged Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi to resign and seek a fresh mandate independently.
Ruhullah said he would respond in detail within the next few days, hinting at a possible departure from the party.
The dispute follows months of growing tension between Ruhullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the MP’s independent political positions.
Ruhullah has accused the National Conference government of breaking election promises and abandoning the fight for Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights.
Farooq Abdullah accused Ruhullah of pursuing personal political gains, while Ruhullah maintains that he is engaged in a principled fight.
- Who
- National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, amid tensions involving Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
- What
- Farooq Abdullah called on Ruhullah to resign from Parliament and seek a fresh mandate, prompting speculation about Ruhullah’s possible exit from the National Conference.
- When
- Farooq Abdullah made the challenge this week; Ruhullah said he would respond over the next few days.
- Where
- The dispute concerns the National Conference and Ruhullah’s Srinagar parliamentary constituency in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Why
- The rift is linked to Ruhullah’s independent political positions, criticism of the National Conference government, election promises, and Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights.
Ruhullah’s Position
Farooq Abdullah and Party Leadership’s Position
Nature of Ruhullah’s politics
Ruhullah’s Position
Ruhullah says he is pursuing a principled fight for the people’s concerns and Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights.
Farooq Abdullah and Party Leadership’s Position
Farooq Abdullah says Ruhullah is trying to make himself a prominent leader for personal political gain.
Election promises and party performance
Ruhullah’s Position
Ruhullah has accused the National Conference government of backtracking on promises made during the elections.
Farooq Abdullah and Party Leadership’s Position
Farooq Abdullah challenged Ruhullah’s political standing by asking whether he could have won without the National Conference.
Political future
Ruhullah’s Position
Ruhullah has indicated that he will respond to the resignation demand and may be considering his future in the party.
Farooq Abdullah and Party Leadership’s Position
Farooq Abdullah wants Ruhullah to resign from Parliament and seek a fresh mandate independently.
- Party
- National Conference
- MP involved
- Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, representing Srinagar
- Challenge
- Farooq Abdullah asked Ruhullah to resign from Parliament and return to voters
- Ruhullah’s response
- He said he would respond in detail over the next few days
- Main criticism
- Ruhullah says the party backtracked on election promises and abandoned the fight for constitutional rights
- Party president’s accusation
- Farooq Abdullah said Ruhullah was seeking personal political gains
- Earlier political tension
- Ruhullah joined a student protest over reservation rationalisation in December 2024