All eyes on Budgam: Aga Ruhullah set to resign as Srinagar MP, end association with NC

The prospect of a fresh election has fuelled discussion over whether Ruhullah would re-enter the fray as an Independent candidate. If he decides to contest, the fight is expected to be directly between Ruhullah and the National Conference.

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Ruhullah won the Srinagar seat with 3,56,866 votes, defeating PDP candidate Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, who secured 1,68,450 votes. He won by a margin of 1,88,416 votes.

A fresh contest could present a different political landscape, particularly if Ruhullah contests without the organisational backing of the NC. The NC would face the challenge of retaining the seat, while other parties may look to capitalise on the opportunity.

The gathering is also expected to provide clarity on Ruhullah’s future political course. He has maintained that his decision is based on political and ideological differences rather than personal grievances or denial of any party position.

Ruhullah has also opposed any attempt to destabilise the elected government through horse-trading, saying the NC-led government should complete its full five-year term.

The developments surrounding the event are likely to have significant political implications, with the future of the Srinagar parliamentary seat and Ruhullah’s next move set to remain under close watch. It will be interesting to see whether Ruhullah will be able to throw up a credible alternative in Kashmir, where all anti-NC parties were decimated in the 2024 Assembly elections.