Will Ashraf Mattoo Handing Over Ruhullah’s Resignation to Farooq Abdullah Put NC on the Back Foot?
KNB News Desk
Budgam, November 3: Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi’s decision to quit the National Conference has put the party leadership in a difficult position, particularly at a time when the party is already facing questions over internal differences and the government’s performance.
In a significant move, Ruhullah asked Muhammad Ashraf Mattoo, father of Tufail Mattoo, who was killed during the 2010 Kashmir unrest, to personally hand over his resignation letter to NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah.
The decision to involve Ashraf Mattoo has drawn attention because Tufail was killed after being hit by a tear gas shell in Srinagar on June 11, 2010, when Omar Abdullah was the Chief Minister. His death had triggered widespread protests across Kashmir.
Addressing a gathering at Behishti Zehra Park in Budgam on Tuesday, Ruhullah announced that he was ending his nearly 24-year association with the National Conference. He also announced his decision to resign as Srinagar MP.
Ruhullah has been openly critical of the NC leadership, accusing the party of failing to fulfil the promises made to people during the 2024 Assembly elections. He has particularly raised questions over the restoration of Article 370, the release of political prisoners and the political rights of Jammu and Kashmir.
By asking Ashraf Mattoo to deliver his resignation to Farooq Abdullah, Ruhullah has brought the issue of Tufail Mattoo’s killing back into the political discussion. The move also puts the Omar Abdullah government under renewed scrutiny over an incident that remains painful for Tufail’s family.
Will Ruhullah’s Exit Affect the National Conference?
Ruhullah’s departure comes at a time when the National Conference is dealing with reports of dissatisfaction among some of its legislators following the recent Cabinet reshuffle.
His decision could create further difficulties for the party, especially as he has been among the prominent NC leaders raising questions about the government’s approach towards issues that were central to the party’s election campaign.
Ruhullah also enjoys support among sections of the public who believe the government has not delivered on its major promises. His departure could give political direction to this dissatisfaction, particularly if he decides to bring like-minded people together on a common platform.
However, it is too early to say whether his exit will lead to a larger split within the National Conference. There is no confirmation that other MLAs are planning to leave the party with him.
For Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah, the challenge will now be to deal with the questions being raised by one of their prominent former leaders while keeping the party united.
Ruhullah’s resignation may not immediately affect the government’s numbers in the Assembly, but politically, it has given the NC leadership another issue to deal with.
Much will depend on Ruhullah’s next move and whether he can turn his public support into a wider political movement.(KNB)