Aga Ruhullah Delivers Sharp Rebuke to Omar Abdullah Government
By: Javid Amin | 11 October 2025
In a bold and candid statement that has stirred the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, a Member of Parliament and senior leader of the National Conference, has sharply criticized the Omar Abdullah-led government for what he described as “a year of political inaction.”
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar on October 11, 2025, Ruhullah said:
“The government has not done on the political front what should have been done over the last one year.”
He added that the administration must focus on people’s concerns, not on internal party politics or symbolic politics aimed at maintaining appearances.
“The government should not aim to please me. It should listen to the people and address their issues,” he asserted.
Background: High Expectations and an Uneasy Anniversary
The Omar Abdullah-led government marked its first year in office last month. Expectations were high when it assumed power in late 2024, riding on the promises of political outreach, statehood restoration advocacy, and grassroots engagement.
However, as the months rolled on, public impatience grew. Many residents felt that the government was slow in responding to pressing concerns, including unemployment, land rights, and political representation.
Within the party, senior figures like Aga Ruhullah have increasingly expressed frustration with the leadership’s cautious approach.
Ruhullah’s statement didn’t come out of the blue — it reflects a growing undercurrent of unease within party ranks.
Political Context: Bypolls and Public Mood
Ruhullah’s remarks come at a critical political juncture. The Budgam bypolls are expected to be an early litmus test of the NC government’s popularity. While the party leadership is finalizing its candidate, the public mood in central Kashmir remains uncertain.
Ruhullah noted that he has already conveyed the expectations of Budgam’s people to the leadership, emphasizing the need for genuine political engagement and local problem-solving.
“I know what my people want. I have conveyed that clearly to my leadership. What remains to be seen is whether the government listens,” he told reporters.
His decision to withhold comment on the candidate selection until the party’s official announcement shows both discipline and dissent — a balancing act common in parties facing internal pressure.
A Year of Governance: Perception vs. Performance
The first year of the Omar Abdullah government has been marked by a series of administrative steps but little visible political movement. Analysts point to:
-
Slow pace on statehood restoration advocacy
-
Limited grassroots engagement with panchayats and civil society
-
Muted political outreach to disillusioned communities
-
Delayed delivery on land and employment safeguards promised during the election campaign
For a government that came to power promising change, this perception gap between expectations and delivery is becoming a major political vulnerability.
Internal Dissent: Controlled or Cracking Open?
While the NC leadership has maintained a publicly united face, Ruhullah’s statements expose tensions beneath the surface. He is known to be among the more vocal voices within the party, often taking positions that resonate with grassroots sentiment.
Political observers note that:
-
Ruhullah represents a strong ideological base within NC, especially in Srinagar and Budgam.
-
His criticism is likely to embolden other senior leaders who share similar concerns but have so far remained silent.
-
The party’s ability to manage internal dissent will be crucial in shaping its strategy for upcoming elections.
A former NC functionary remarked privately:
“Aga Ruhullah doesn’t speak without purpose. If he has chosen to speak out now, it means he feels the leadership is not doing enough to address the political vacuum.”
The Broader Political Landscape
Jammu and Kashmir continues to navigate the post-Article 370 political terrain, where promises of democratic restoration and statehood remain at the center of public debate.
While the Supreme Court has directed the Union government to clarify its position on statehood, regional parties like NC are under pressure to show they can deliver on the ground.
The lack of political outreach, particularly in rural and semi-urban belts, has led to rising public cynicism. Voters who backed NC for assertive regional leadership now question its silence on several key issues.
Impact on Alliance Politics
The NC currently leads a coalition arrangement with Congress and other INDIA bloc partners. Ruhullah’s remarks also send a subtle message to alliance partners — that the NC must demonstrate leadership, not just hold power.
-
Congress leaders have quietly expressed concern about the lack of coordination on key political issues.
-
Opposition parties, including the BJP, are already using internal dissent within NC as campaign ammunition.
-
A failure to respond decisively to criticism could strain alliance cohesion in the months leading to the 2026 elections.
What the People Expect: Real Issues on the Ground
Interacting with civil society groups, several common concerns emerge from citizens:
-
Employment: High youth unemployment remains a persistent issue.
-
Land and Resource Protection: People demand legal safeguards against external acquisition.
-
Political Voice: Many communities feel politically alienated and want greater outreach.
-
Security and Civil Rights: Citizens are calling for more transparency in policing and administrative decisions.
Ruhullah’s criticism, therefore, echoes the sentiment on the street, not just internal party debates.
Why Ruhullah’s Voice Matters
Unlike some politicians who operate quietly within party structures, Aga Ruhullah commands a distinct political identity. His:
-
Grassroots connection in central Kashmir
-
Outspoken advocacy for political rights
-
Stature as a Parliamentarian
…make his words carry significant political weight.
When a figure like Ruhullah goes on record to criticize his own party’s government, it sends a signal that cannot be ignored.
The Government’s Likely Response
While Omar Abdullah has not responded publicly to Ruhullah’s statement yet, sources close to the government say there may be a measured reaction — acknowledging concerns while defending the administration’s timeline.
Insiders say the Chief Minister’s strategy has been cautious, focused on avoiding confrontation with the Centre while slowly rebuilding administrative structures.
However, critics argue this caution is turning into inertia, and public patience is wearing thin.
Political Implications Moving Forward
If unaddressed, Ruhullah’s criticism could:
-
Deepen internal fissures in NC
-
Weaken the party’s narrative in upcoming polls
-
Provide leverage to opposition parties
-
Pressure the leadership to adopt a more assertive political posture
Conversely, if the leadership acts decisively — through political outreach, grassroots engagement, and statehood advocacy — this could unify the party and rebuild public confidence.
Bottom-Line: A Critical Moment for NC
Aga Ruhullah’s sharp words reflect not just personal frustration, but a larger political truth: after one year in power, the Omar Abdullah-led government faces a critical credibility test.
The public mood is shifting, and so are expectations. People are no longer content with symbolic gestures — they want visible political action and policy clarity.
For the National Conference, this is not merely a moment of internal debate — it’s a defining moment for its leadership in a region that has seen many promises but few tangible results.
Ruhullah has effectively drawn a political line in the sand. Whether the government steps over it with conviction and clarity, or retreats into silence, will shape the next phase of J&K politics.
