Speculations are rife on Social Media regarding NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi’s Defection alongwith 8-10 MLAs from NC

Srinagar, April 15, 2025: Speculations are rife in Jammu and Kashmir’s political circles following unverified rumours that National Conference (NC) MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, representing Srinagar, may be planning to defect from the party along with 10-12 NC MLAs. These claims, primarily circulating on social media platforms like X, suggest potential discontent within the NC, with some alleging that Mehdi’s actions could destabilise the Omar Abdullah-led government.

However, no official confirmation from Mehdi or the NC has substantiated these rumours, and they remain inconclusive.The speculation appears to stem from recent posts on X, where users claimed that Mehdi, a prominent Shia cleric and vocal critic of the abrogation of Article 370, might resign from Parliament or quit the NC over issues like reservation policies, statehood, and the Waqf Bill.

One post alleged that “8 to 10 MLAs” could resign alongside Mehdi, potentially threatening the NC-led government’s stability. Another suggested that a “viral clip” had fueled these rumours, though the content of the clip remains unclear. These claims lack corroboration from credible sources, and no mainstream media outlet has reported concrete evidence of such a move.

Mehdi’s history of public dissent within the NC lends some context to the rumours. He has previously distanced himself from the party’s positions, notably in 2020 when he removed his designation as NC chief spokesperson from his social media bio after criticising the party’s silence post-Article 370 abrogation. More recently, in December 2024, Mehdi faced internal criticism for joining protests against the reservation policy outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence, an action NC MLA Salman Sagar called “wrong” for aiding the party’s “enemies.”

His participation led to only one of seven NC MLAs attending a meeting he chaired, fueling perceptions of a rift. Despite these tensions, Mehdi has remained a key NC figure, winning the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat in 2024 and maintaining strong grassroots support for his outspoken stance on Kashmiri rights. Sources close to him have emphasized his commitment to voters, with Mehdi reportedly stating during the 2024 Assembly polls that he would “stand with the people” against the NC if it failed to honor election promises.

His recent remarks at Jawaharlal Nehru University in February 2025, where he criticized NC MLAs for not embodying “people’s resistance” post-Article 370, further highlight his willingness to challenge party leadership.

However, the claim of a mass defection involving 8-10 MLAs appears exaggerated, given the NC’s strong performance in the 2024 Assembly elections, securing 42 seats and forming a coalition government with Congress (6 seats) and CPI(M) (1 seat). The NC’s current strength in the 95-member Assembly, including five nominated MLAs, provides a comfortable majority, making a government collapse unlikely without significant defections. No specific MLAs have been named in connection with the alleged plan, and Mehdi has not publicly indicated any intent to leave the NC or resign.

The NC has not officially responded to the rumours, but party insiders have previously downplayed similar speculations, attributing Mehdi’s actions to his independent style rather than disloyalty. Political analysts suggest the rumours could be driven by opposition parties like the PDP or BJP to sow discord within the NC, especially amid ongoing debates over reservation policies and statehood restoration. The lack of attendance at Mehdi’s December 2024 meeting was partly explained by logistical issues, with some MLAs in Jammu or engaged elsewhere, indicating internal friction but not necessarily a coordinated rebellion.

As of now, the rumours of Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi defecting with 8-10 MLAs remain unverified and should be treated with skepticism until concrete evidence emerges. The situation highlights ongoing tensions within the NC but does not confirm a imminent split. Observers await Mehdi’s next move and any official statements from the NC leadership to clarify the party’s internal dynamics.