NC’s Internal Rift: Aga Ruhullah’s Walkout Raises Questions About Party’s Future
Srinagar 25 May 2025: The National Conference (NC) is facing a significant internal crisis after senior leader Aga Ruhullah Mehdi staged a dramatic walkout from the party’s Working Committee meeting. The walkout came after a heated exchange with Vice President Omar Abdullah, highlighting deepening ideological divisions within the party.
The Incident
The meeting, held on May 21, was meant to discuss the party’s political roadmap. However, tensions escalated when Ruhullah criticized the party’s direction and accused it of abandoning core promises like Article 370 restoration. Ruhullah’s sharp criticism of leadership, particularly regarding the Article 370 restoration issue, raises key questions about NC’s political direction in the upcoming elections.
Impact on NC’s Political Strategy
The Ruhullah vs Omar Abdullah ideological clash could weaken party unity, potentially affecting electoral prospects. The party might now need to reassure its base about its commitment to J&K’s special status, or risk losing ground to rivals pushing stronger autonomy narratives.
-
Internal Rifts & Leadership Challenges: The walkout signals deepening ideological divisions within the party, which could impact NC’s electoral prospects.
-
Public Perception & Trust Issues: Many in J&K still expect Article 370 restoration, and Ruhullah’s stance might resonate with voters frustrated with NC’s moderate approach.
-
Election Narrative Shift: The party might need to adjust its narrative to appease pro-Article 370 supporters while maintaining its mainstream electoral ambitions.
What’s Next for the NC?
The NC faces a critical juncture, with several possible scenarios unfolding:
-
Damage Control Efforts: Will Omar Abdullah reach out to Ruhullah or let him drift toward opposition factions?
-
Election Strategy Adjustments: Will NC shift its narrative to appease pro-Article 370 supporters while maintaining its mainstream electoral ambitions?
-
Public Messaging & Media Response: The party’s official reaction to the walkout will shape public trust and internal cohesion.
Key Moments from the Meeting
The meeting was marked by a heated exchange between Ruhullah and Omar Abdullah, with Ruhullah criticizing the party’s direction and Abdullah defending the party’s stance.
-
Ruhullah’s Criticism: Ruhullah interrupted the proceedings, stating, “This isn’t a public milan”, emphasizing that the party was betraying the people by not delivering on its manifesto.
-
Omar Abdullah’s Response: Omar Abdullah defended the party’s stance, stating that development and statehood restoration were necessary steps toward securing rights for J&K residents.
Political Implications
The incident has deepened ideological rifts within the NC, with some members supporting Ruhullah’s stance while others back Omar Abdullah’s leadership. The party’s future electoral prospects will depend on its ability to navigate these internal divisions and present a united front.
-
NC’s Election Roadmap: The party will need to recalibrate its strategy ahead of elections, potentially reasserting its commitment to J&K’s special status and targeting outreach to pro-autonomy supporters.
-
Opposition’s Response: The PDP, Apni Party, and DPAP may capitalize on NC’s internal friction to gain political mileage, while the BJP might reinforce its “stability & development” narrative.
Bottom-Line
Aga Ruhullah’s walkout has sparked a significant internal crisis within the NC, raising questions about the party’s future and its ability to navigate the complex political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. The party’s response to this crisis will be crucial in determining its electoral prospects and its role in shaping the region’s future.
