Srinagar, Nov 2 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir is heading towards a politically significant Tuesday, with multiple developments from Budgam to Jammu expected to draw attention across the Union Territory, as National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi prepares for his proposed resignation, internal dissent surfaces within the ruling party over its functioning, and BJP National Vice President Ram Madhav is scheduled to visit Jammu.
All eyes will remain on Ruhullah’s proposed public convention at Behisht-e-Zehra Park in Budgam, where he is expected to announce his political future.
The Srinagar MP has declared his intention to resign from both the National Conference and his Lok Sabha membership on November 3, accusing the party leadership of failing to honour its electoral commitments.
The proposed gathering coincides with the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi. Ruhullah’s differences with the NC leadership have increasingly come into the open over issues including the restoration of Article 370, constitutional rights, release of prisoners and the party’s electoral promises. His proposed exit could mark a significant development within the party and its parliamentary representation.
Adding to the political uncertainty, the National Conference is also facing growing internal dissent following disagreements over the functioning of the party and the role of certain leaders considered close to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Around 20 legislators who raised the banner of dissent over the party’s functioning and the influence of certain leaders close to the Chief Minister have reportedly put forth a 10-point charter of demands seeking to “restructure the party”.
The legislators have reportedly expressed concerns over the functioning of the organisation, internal decision-making, lack of adequate consultation and the treatment of senior party representatives. Their demands are understood to seek organisational changes, greater accountability, improved coordination between the party leadership and elected representatives, and a more inclusive approach towards party affairs.
The group has also reportedly called for time-bound implementation of the party’s 2024 Assembly election manifesto, a more assertive political campaign for restoration of statehood and Article 370, and greater consultation with elected representatives on important political and administrative matters.
The dissent reportedly gathered momentum following a meeting of legislators at the residence of Lolab MLA Qaiser Jamsheed Lone in Srinagar on October 30. The participants are understood to have agreed to press their demands collectively and seek intervention from party president Dr Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The developments have exposed another challenge for the NC leadership, which is already facing criticism from Ruhullah over its political commitments. However, party leaders have played down reports of a major rebellion, maintaining that differences within the organisation would be addressed internally and that the party remains united.
Meanwhile, BJP National Vice President Ram Madhav is scheduled to arrive in Jammu on Tuesday, where he will meet party leaders and MLAs at the BJP headquarters, according to sources who spoke to news agency JKNS on Monday evening.
His visit has assumed political significance amid the evolving situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Political observers are likely to closely watch the deliberations, particularly against the backdrop of internal developments within the ruling National Conference, the 10-point demands raised by its dissenting legislators and the anticipated political move by Ruhullah.
While there is no indication that the BJP meeting is directly linked to the developments within the NC, the timing of Madhav’s visit has added another dimension to the political discussions in the Union Territory.
With Ruhullah’s proposed resignation, growing internal dissent within the National Conference and Ram Madhav’s scheduled interaction with BJP leaders and MLAs, Tuesday is shaping up as a crucial day for Jammu and Kashmir politics, with developments in Budgam and Jammu likely to have wider political ramifications. (JKNS)
