‘If you want to see real respect, come here’: Aga Ruhullah takes dig at Omar Abdullah in Budgam

Budgam: National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Tuesday took a sharp swipe at Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during a public gathering in Budgam, making pointed remarks about political power, public respect and his differences with the party leadership.

Addressing the gathering at Behishti Zehra Park, organised to mark the death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi, Ruhullah directly addressed Omar Abdullah, saying, “The chair you are sitting on right now is a source of sadness for both you and us.”

People gather at Behisht-e-Zehra Park in Budgam to attend the public meeting addressed by National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on November 3, 2026. [Photo: X]

In another pointed remark, Ruhullah said that while politicians often become unhappy after losing positions of power, his decision to relinquish his position was a matter of satisfaction.

“People who lose chairs get unhappy, but here we are throwing away a chair, and we are happy,” he said.

Taking another apparent dig at the Chief Minister, Ruhullah added, “If you want to see what real respect looks like, come to Budgam.”

The remarks come amid an escalating rift between Ruhullah and the National Conference leadership, particularly Omar Abdullah, over what the Srinagar MP describes as the party’s failure to fulfil its electoral commitments.

Ruhullah had earlier announced his decision to resign from both the National Conference and his Lok Sabha membership on November 3, bringing an end to his nearly 24-year association with the party.

His differences with the NC leadership primarily centre on the party’s position on Article 370, the protection of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights, reservation policies and the release of prisoners.

The MP has repeatedly accused the party leadership of seeking votes on these promises during the 2024 Assembly elections but failing to pursue them with the same commitment after coming to power.

Ruhullah was a prominent campaigner for the National Conference during the 2024 elections and won the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency by a margin of 1,88,416 votes, defeating PDP candidate Waheed-ur-Rehman Para.

His confrontation with the party leadership has unfolded alongside growing internal dissent within the NC following its recent Cabinet expansion. A section of party legislators has reportedly raised objections over the distribution of ministerial positions and demanded greater internal democracy.

Ruhullah, however, has maintained that his disagreement with the leadership is based on ideological and political principles rather than dissatisfaction over being denied a ministerial position or another party post.

He has also opposed attempts to destabilise the elected government, insisting that the Omar Abdullah-led administration should be allowed to complete its five-year term.