The event is being organised at Behisht-e-Zehra Park to commemorate the death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi.
Amid speculation that Ruhullah might reconsider his decision, his office dismissed such reports, maintaining that there would be no change in his position.
In a statement shared on social media, his office said that the MP had no intention of withdrawing his decision to quit the National Conference and urged people not to believe reports suggesting otherwise.
Ruhullah’s proposed move has sparked considerable political debate across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly over the possibility of a by-election in the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency.
Reiterating his stand, Ruhullah said there was no question of reconsidering his resignation. He also indicated that he would consider contesting again if a by-election were announced for the Srinagar parliamentary seat. Clarifying his position on the internal dissent within the NC, he said the protesting MLAs had their own political interests and that, although some had approached him earlier, no discussions were currently underway. He added that he had not personally asked anyone to resign.
Ruhullah has cited ideological differences with the NC leadership and the party’s alleged failure to deliver on several key electoral commitments as the reasons behind his decision. These include the restoration of Article 370, safeguarding constitutional rights, addressing concerns surrounding reservation policies and securing the release of prisoners.
If he formally submits his resignation from the Lok Sabha and the Speaker accepts it, the Srinagar parliamentary constituency will be declared vacant, potentially paving the way for a by-election under the applicable legal provisions.
The possibility of Ruhullah contesting the seat as an Independent candidate has also generated political speculation. Should he enter the electoral contest again, the National Conference could emerge as his principal challenger.
Ruhullah secured a decisive victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, winning the Srinagar seat with 3,56,866 votes. He defeated People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, who polled 1,68,450 votes, by a margin of 1,88,416 votes.
However, a fresh election could bring a different political equation, particularly if Ruhullah contests without the organisational support of the National Conference. The party, meanwhile, would face the challenge of defending its hold over the constituency, while other political players could attempt to benefit from the emerging political situation.
The gathering in Budgam is expected to provide further clarity on Ruhullah’s political plans and the course he intends to pursue. He has maintained that his differences with the party are rooted in political and ideological concerns rather than personal grievances or dissatisfaction over being denied a position within the organisation.
Ruhullah has also opposed efforts to destabilise the elected government through alleged horse-trading, arguing that the NC-led government should be allowed to complete its full five-year tenure.
His anticipated announcement could have wider implications for Kashmir’s political landscape, with both his future in the National Conference and the fate of the Srinagar parliamentary constituency likely to remain under close observation.
