J&K CM Omar faces setback as Srinagar MP Ruhullah resigns from post amid NC turmoil

NEW DELHI: In a major setback to the ruling National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar Lok Sabha member Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday formally announced his resignation from the parliamentary seat and party on the 26th death anniversary of his father.

A day earlier, banners at the entrance of Mehdi's residence in Srinagar had offered a glimpse of the message he wanted to convey. One read, “Wada kursi se bada hai” (a promise is bigger than a chair), while the other said, “Kirdar ki siyasat, usoolon ki siyasat” (politics of character, politics of principles). One party worker said, “even at a barber's shop, people do not give up their chairs for someone else even if that person is older. Here is a man willing to leave his chair for the sake of principles. Who gives up a chair like that.” Mehdi's resignation comes amid growing discontent within the ruling party, with Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah facing a revolt by a section of NC legislators.

Around 25 legislators have reportedly demanded the replacement of all eight cabinet ministers, including the deputy chief minister, within 15 days. They have also sought the removal of Nasir Aslam Wani, Omar Abdullah's close aide and political adviser. At a meeting held at the residence of NC MLA Qaiser Jamshaid Lone on Friday evening, the legislators passed a resolution seeking a cabinet overhaul and wider consultations within the party before portfolios are allocated. Around 18 MLAs attended the meeting in person, while seven joined online, according to a legislator who was present. The NC has 41 MLAs in the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir assembly. It runs a coalition government with the support of six Congress MLAs, six independent legislators and one CPM member.