Supporters back Ruhullah Mehdi ahead of planned resignation from NC
Locals in Budgam gathered at a park to support Srinagar MP Ruhullah Mehdi before his planned resignation.
National Conference (NC) MP Ruhullah Mehdi is set to announce his resignation from the party in Budgam, according to reports by Daily Excelsior and Greater Kashmir. Supporters gathered at Behist-e-Zehra Park in the central Kashmir district to show their backing for the Srinagar Lok Sabha MP.
The planned announcement on November 3 holds significance for Mehdi and his supporters, as his father, Aga Syed Mehdi, was killed in a militant attack on this day in 2000. During the gathering, a nine-year-old student, Dayim Raza, held a placard reading 'Wada kursi se bada hai', which translates to 'A promise is bigger than a chair'.
Mohammad Rafeeq, the grandfather of Raza, alleged that the NC had betrayed the trust of the MP and the people. He claimed the party failed to deliver on election promises, including the restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A, as well as measures for Anganwadi workers, Special Police Officers (SPOs) and daily wagers.
Another resident, Mohammad Shafi, said Mehdi was compelled to take the decision because the party had not responded to concerns or fulfilled promises such as providing one lakh jobs and 200 units of free electricity. Hayat Hussain, from Bandipora district, added that the NC had overlooked Mehdi's efforts despite him being a star campaigner during the 2024 Assembly elections.