Budgam, Nov. 3 -- Following months of differences with the National Conference leadership, Srinagar Lok Sabha member Syed Aga Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday announced his resignation from the party, accusing its leadership of abandoning key election promises, including the restoration of Article 370, at a rally here marking the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi.
Soon after announcing his resignation from the National Conference at the rally, Ruhullah sent his resignation from the Lok Sabha to Speaker Om Birla.
Ruhullah, who was elected to the Lok Sabha on an NC ticket in 2024, also hinted at forming a new political outfit in Jammu and Kashmir during an 80-minute speech to his supporters.
In a show of strength, the influential Shia leader lashed out at NC president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing them of abandoning the fight to restore Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir within the Union of India.
"All the posturing during elections about restoring Article 370, releasing prisoners and providing free electricity were just lies. And I cannot continue to be a part of these lies anymore," Ruhullah said.
He described his resignation from the party as a "decree of freedom".
Ruhullah handed his resignation letter to Mohammad Ashraf Mattoo, father of teenager Tufail Mattoo, who was killed during security forces' action against protesters in early 2010, asking him to forward it to Farooq Abdullah.
Tufail's death had triggered massive protests against the then government headed
by Omar Abdullah, in which Ruhullah was a Cabinet minister.
"This is a charter of freedom. I will not send this (resignation) to Farooq Abdullah. They do not have the standing or worth for me to send it to them.
"This is a message of freedom from this deceitful, corrupt organisation. I am handing this resignation over to Mohammad Ashraf Mattoo Sahab. I request him to forward this resignation with his own hands," Ruhullah said amid loud applause from his supporters.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.