Srinagar, Aug. 28 -- Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi's decision to quit the National Conference and the Lok Sabha on November 3 has turned a party dispute into a bigger question: who speaks for urban Kashmir, and what do its voters want?

Ruhullah says he will submit his resignations on the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi.

The symbolism is striking, but the politics are sharper.

His break comes after months of criticism of the National Conference leadership over its retreat from the promise to fight for restoration of Article 370 and broader constitutional guarantees. He has accused the party of "lies and betrayal" and said his own commitments do not change with political circumstances.

Farooq Abdullah effectively forced t...