Omar Abdullah turned to Kipling’s calm words, while Ruhullah Mehdi spoke with the boldness of Malcolm X. But no matter their approaches, the damage within the National Conference seems already done. The party’s divisions are growing, and unity seems out of reach.
The absence of six National Conference (NC) MLAs from today’s DISHA Committee meeting in Srinagar has raised eyebrows, further fueling speculations of growing rift within the party.
The meeting, chaired by Srinagar Member Parliament Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, was held at the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) and focused on reviewing various welfare and development schemes under District Development Coordination & Monitoring Committee (DISHA). While MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq was present, the conspicuous absence of others seemed more than coincidental, especially in light of recent events that have placed Ruhullah at the center of political debates.
Shortly after the conclusion of the meeting, when asked by the media about the absence of the MLAs, Ruhullah avoided directly addressing the issue, stating that he had signed the approval for the meeting only last night and mentioned that the MLAs might be in Jammu. He also suggested that reporters inquire with the Deputy Commissioner.
His refusal to comment on Hazratbal MLA Salman Ali Sagar’s recent criticisms also reflected a calculated approach to the media, possibly to prevent the situation from escalating further.
This calm demeanor stands in contrast to the flurry of political activity elsewhere. Hours after the DISHA meeting, NC Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared a photograph of himself with all six NC MLAs of Srinagar (including the five absent MLAs), stating that they had convened at his residence to discuss Srinagar’s pressing issues, such as water and power shortages. This move subtly sidelined Ruhullah, signaling the growing divide within the NC.
The growing rift can be traced back to a protest led by Ruhullah outside the Chief Minister’s residence last week. The protest, attended by students from the general category, demanded changes to J&K’s reservation policy, calling for reserved seats to be reduced to 25% from the current 60%.
Ruhullah’s leadership of the protest, which also saw participation from opposition leaders like PDP’s Waheed Parra and Iltija Mufti, has drawn sharp criticism from NC colleagues.
Hazratbal MLA Salman Ali Sagar was quick to lash out, accusing Ruhullah of undermining party unity and providing a platform for political opponents. “No one is bigger than the party,” Sagar declared, questioning Ruhullah’s motives and approach. Other leaders, including Congress’s Ghulam Ahmad Mir, also criticized Ruhullah for taking the issue to the streets instead of addressing it within the party framework.
This isn’t the first time Ruhullah has clashed with his party. In 2020, he resigned as NC spokesperson over the party’s silence on the abrogation of Article 370. He also expressed dissatisfaction when the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) broke apart over seat-sharing disagreements. Ruhullah’s frequent criticism of both the NC leadership and the central government has made him a polarizing figure within the party.
His recent use of Malcolm X’s “House Negro and Field Negro” analogy on social media further underlined his confrontational stance. By aligning himself with those resisting oppression, Ruhullah implied that some within his party were complicit in maintaining the status quo.
For the NC, these events reflect a deeper challenge. On one hand, Ruhullah’s actions resonate with many who feel the party needs to adopt a stronger, more people-centric approach. On the other hand, his defiance risks creating rifts within the party at a time when unity is crucial.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s balanced handling of the situation—meeting with student representatives to address their concerns while reaffirming party discipline—has so far prevented a full-blown crisis. However, the NC will need to decide whether to embrace Ruhullah’s reformist zeal or rein him in to preserve internal harmony.
Ruhullah’s bold moves have made him a powerful yet controversial voice in J&K politics. As he continues to prioritize public concerns over party lines, the NC faces the challenge of adapting to these changes or risking internal fragmentation.
