Day after Farooq dare, Srinagar MP Mehdi decides to quit LS, NC over Article 370

SRINAGAR - National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi announced on Friday that he would resign from both Lok Sabha and the party, following the public dare by his patriarch Farooq Abdullah. Mehdi cited the party's recent decision to drop Article 370, which revoked Kashmir's special status, as the reason for his resignation. In a letter to party president Farooq Abdullah, Mehdi expressed concern over the party's stance on constitutional guarantees for the region.

He argued that the party had become overly defensive about the issue, with the mere mention of such guarantees now becoming offensive. Mehdi also highlighted the concerns of Kashmir's young population, who face uncertain futures due to lack of jobs and opportunities, and fear the loss of their religious rights, traditions, and language.

He joined a student protest against the UT's reservation policy in December, leading to a rift with the party leadership. Farooq Abdullah accused Mehdi of attempting to portray himself as a strong advocate for Article 370 while being on the wrong path.