Srinagar, November 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Conference (NC) on Tuesday hit back at Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi over his criticism of party president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, questioning his efforts in Parliament to secure the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s Special Status.
In a statement on X, the party asked whether Ruhullah had ever gathered signatures of fellow MPs or moved a resolution or private member’s bill on the issue. It contrasted this with his success in securing signatures from over 100 MPs for an impeachment motion against an Allahabad High Court judge.
The NC also accused Ruhullah of invoking incidents from 2010 while overlooking the fact that he remained a Cabinet minister until that year’s reshuffle and contested the 2014 Assembly elections on an NC ticket. It said he submitted his resignation only after being instructed by the party president.
On the reservation issue, the party said its Cabinet Sub-Committee had approved key modifications to address grievances of the open merit category, but the decisions were awaiting approval from central authorities. It questioned why Ruhullah had not challenged the Lieutenant Governor’s administration over recruitment irregularities and the delay.
Reiterating its position, the NC said restoration of statehood would not come at the cost of Special Status. It pointed out that the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution seeking restoration of Special Status on November 6, which Ruhullah had initially welcomed.
The party described his resignation decision as delayed and opportunistic, alleging that he contributed to the NC’s defeat in the Budgam Assembly by-poll while retaining his parliamentary seat. It also criticised his recent political conduct, referring to his 25-year association with the party, three terms as an MLA, ministerial tenure and election to Parliament on an NC ticket.
FOLLOW NOW
