Srinagar, Sep 12: Srinagar MP Agha Ruhullah Mehdi has indicated that a major political decision could be on the cards after November 3, using unusually strong language to signal his intention to distance himself from the present National Conference leadership.
Speaking to reporters in Ganderbal on Saturday, Ruhullah said he would “break those chains” and “free” himself on November 3, while stopping short of announcing whether he would launch a new political party.
“First let me free myself from some chains on 3rd November. I will break those chains, I will free myself, I will cut the rope,” he said.
Ruhullah said any decision on forming a political outfit would not be his alone and would instead be taken after consultations with people across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly young people.
“Whether to make a party or not, what to do, it will be a collective decision,” he said.
His remarks amount to his strongest indication so far of a possible political realignment, although he did not specify what exactly would happen on November 3.
Ruhullah also questioned the National Conference’s decision to retain the Chief Minister’s position within the Abdullah family following the 2024 Assembly elections. He said the party could have chosen a leader from outside the family.
“If they wanted, they could have … made a Chief Minister outside the family,” he said.
Taking a swipe at the leadership decision, Ruhullah added: “Chief Minister is a temptation, we could not resist that temptation.”
He also criticised what he described as a departure from previously held positions, arguing that political leadership must be rooted in principles and conviction.
“Leadership is the name of principle stand. Leadership is the name of conviction,” he said.
Ruhullah, who said he had witnessed developments within the party firsthand, also disputed the suggestion that pressure had compelled the National Conference to alter its positions.
“Till they did not have their own wish, they did not have their own need, they named that need as pressure, and they took that decision,” he said.
Responding to comments by NC MP Mian Altaf Ahmad regarding the functioning of the government, Ruhullah declined to interpret his colleague’s remarks.
“I respect him. He should interpret his own words,” he said, adding that Altaf should clarify his position if he had grievances against the government.
Ruhullah also referred to NC president Farooq Abdullah’s challenge to him and indicated that he intended to answer politically rather than through public exchanges.
“God willing, it is being arranged. We will play this match politically, in the coming time,” he said.
However, Ruhullah’s immediate focus at the Ganderbal protest site was the demand of veterinary students for an increase in their stipend. He urged Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar to engage directly with the protesting students and resolve the issue through dialogue.
Ruhullah questioned the existing monthly stipend of ₹6,000, arguing that students who spend several years pursuing professional education should not be expected to work for such a low amount.
“If other states can get more than Rs 20,000 in stipends, I don’t think there is such a shortage in our state,” he said.
He said he would wait for a day or two for the department or higher authorities to engage with the students and warned that he would widen the campaign if no action followed.
The MP also raised concerns over the grievances of medical interns and the reservation issue, saying an elected government must remain accountable to those who voted for it.
“When an elected government, which we have elected, behaves worse than the LG’s administration… then the concept of democracy and accountability fails,” he said.
On reservation, Ruhullah urged the government to meet students and explain the status of their demands before the issue escalates into further protests.
He maintained that the veterinary students’ dispute should be resolved through engagement rather than confrontation and again called upon the Agriculture Minister to meet the protesters.
