Aga Ruhullah’s Sopore Convention Exposes Rift with Omar Abdullah-Led NC | Kashmir Politics 2025
By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 20 June 2025
A Stirring in the Valley
In the heart of Sopore, a political storm is gathering. Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, a senior National Conference (NC) leader known for his principled stands and fierce independence, has once again drawn national attention. His recent convention in Sopore did not just rehash old grievances. Instead, it spotlighted a deeper ideological chasm forming between Ruhullah and the current leadership of his party, particularly Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
In a region where conformity often trumps courage, Ruhullah’s message was clear: Kashmir needs a new moral compass, even if that means challenging his own party from within.
The Sopore Convention: Symbolism Meets Strategy
Sopore, once called the “Chhota London” of Kashmir for its vibrant economy and political awareness, provided a fitting venue for Ruhullah’s resurgence. The event was intentionally modest but charged with emotional energy. While many leaders chase media soundbites, Ruhullah’s address to the gathering focused on real, local issues:
- Youth Unemployment: A problem that has plagued Kashmir for decades, now exacerbated by the lack of statehood and limited private investment.
- Erosion of Kashmiri Identity: Ruhullah emphasized that the abrogation of Article 370 not only revoked autonomy but also struck at the heart of cultural and historical pride.
- Constitutional Dignity: He called for a return to the pre-2019 political framework, reiterating that peace without dignity is unsustainable.
Even without naming names, his words were perceived as a subtle indictment of the NC’s current silence on these issues.
Timeline of a Widening Rift
Ruhullah’s disillusionment with the party didn’t happen overnight. Key milestones include:
- 2020: He publicly opposed the NC’s decision to participate in the Gupkar Alliance without securing concrete demands on Article 370.
- 2022: Refused a state award, calling it “an insult to Kashmir’s collective conscience.”
- 2023: Joined student protests against the domicile law and quota changes, breaking ranks with NC’s quiet compliance.
- 2024: Criticized the leadership’s reluctance to push back on the Centre’s moves on electoral delimitation and reservation reform.
Each instance marked a growing sense of ideological loneliness, culminating in his remarks at Sopore where he confessed, “No one listens to me anymore.”
Behind Closed Doors: The NC’s Leadership Crisis
Party insiders suggest the top brass, including Omar Abdullah, is both frustrated and wary of Ruhullah. While they can’t ignore his influence, they fear his defiance might fracture the party base.
Some key takeaways from internal reports:
- Younger NC cadres are increasingly sympathetic to Ruhullah’s views, especially on the question of Kashmiri identity.
- Senior functionaries feel he is undermining party unity ahead of critical elections.
- Middle-tier workers are caught in the crossfire, unsure which narrative to follow.
NC’s current strategy seems to be silent containment rather than open confrontation—a gamble that could either neutralize dissent or amplify it.
Ruhullah’s Ideological Positioning: More Than Rebellion
While dissent is not new to Kashmir’s political fabric, Ruhullah’s is unique because of its consistency, clarity, and constitutionality. His key beliefs include:
- Statehood and Article 370 Restoration: Not for nostalgia, but for institutional balance and federal dignity.
- Anti-Communalism: Rejecting both Hindutva narratives and extremist Islamist posturing.
- Pro-People Federalism: Ensuring governance remains accountable to Kashmiris, not dictated from New Delhi.
In many ways, Ruhullah is trying to reclaim Sheikh Abdullah’s ideological legacy—one that blends self-respect with secularism.
Public Reaction: A Divided Sentiment
Ruhullah’s Sopore outreach has received mixed responses:
- Youth Support: Especially among college students, his clarity and honesty resonate.
- Civil Society: Many academics and writers see him as a credible alternative to status-quo politicians.
- Skepticism from Elders: Some view him as too idealistic or fear he’ll split the NC vote.
Social media sentiment, however, leans in his favor, with hashtags like #RuhullahVoice and #SoporeSays emerging in the wake of the event.
Scenarios Ahead: What Comes Next?
Ruhullah stands at a political crossroads. Potential outcomes include:
- Launching a New Platform: Perhaps under a “Kashmir Dignity Front” or similar brand.
- Independent MP Role: Staying within Parliament but operating independently of NC discipline.
- Ghar Wapsi to NC Mainstream: Less likely unless major concessions are made.
- Third Front Formation: Joining hands with breakaway factions from PDP, Congress, and independents.
His next move will likely coincide with the finalization of the J&K Assembly election schedule.
Bottom-Line: A Moment of Moral Reckoning
Whether Ruhullah Mehdi emerges as a kingmaker, a principled loner, or a reformist firebrand, one thing is certain: he has reopened a long-dormant debate about what Kashmiri leadership should stand for.
In a Valley gasping for genuine political discourse, Ruhullah’s stand may not only influence his future, but that of Kashmir’s next generation.
