The internal conflict within the National Conference (NC) has reached new heights with Member of Parliament Aga Ruhullah's decision to protest against his own party over the controversial Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Reservation Policy. This policy, recently implemented by the Lieutenant Governor's administration, allocates over 60 percent of jobs and educational opportunities to those from reserved categories, dismissing the interests of those from the open merit category, which constitutes more than 60 percent of the population.
Ruhullah's protest outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's residence stirred significant backlash from his party colleagues. MLA Salman Sagar, expressing discontent with Ruhullah’s actions, publicly criticized the MP for siding with political opponents rather than rallying support within the party. “There was no need to protest with our worst political opponents. If we have to protest, there should have been consensus to take along 42 MLAs for protest,” Sagar remarked. He underscored the importance of unifying party legislators rather than creating divisions within the ranks.
Salman, who is also the NC youth president, indicated the protest could undermine the party’s integrity and questioned Ruhullah's approach. “Students should understand the Member of Parliament has no role in resolution of the reservation issue; it pertains to the government and legislators,” he stated during the press conference. His remarks reflect the struggle within the NC to balance student activism with party loyalty.
The protest, which saw scores of aspirants alongside Ruhullah and representatives from the political opposition, aimed to challenge the unfairness of the current reservation policy. Sagar’s concerns were echoed by various NC insiders, many of whom believed Ruhullah's actions were more about personal political theater than actual change.
“Aga sahib was pricked by some people forcing him to protest against his own government harming the interests of students,” lamented Sagar, reminiscing about the sacrifices made by NC supporters to elect Ruhullah as their MP for the prestigious Srinagar seat. “It is strange to see him protest against his own government,” he added, signaling his view of betrayal among party lines.
The criticism extended beyond Sagar, with Congress politician Ghulam Ahmad Mir weighing in on the discourse, calling Ruhullah’s public demonstration “a camera show” rather than genuine engagement with pressing issues. He advised direct dialogue with the Chief Minister as the more responsible approach. “It has become fashionable to chase camera attention. A responsible MP from NC should have behaved more seriously,” Mir asserted, reinforcing the sentiment of maintaining dignified political discourse.
Ruhullah, for his part, has maintained the legitimacy of his actions, emphasizing his commitment to advocating for students uprooted by the revised reservation rules. He has previously issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding changes to the policy before December 22, 2023. Following his decision to protest, he led hundreds of students on a march to the Chief Minister's residence, advocating for their voices to be heard. “This is not politics; it is a fight for the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he stated, highlighting the weight of the issue for students aspiring for fairness.
The reservations have contributed to discontent among students, who argue they should not be penalized under the new system which they believe alters their future prospects significantly. Ruhullah proclaimed during the protest, “The students have apprehensions, so I am with them so they can be heard,” showcasing his alignment with the cause of students seeking justice and equality.
The protest march saw participation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders, who voiced their solidarity with the aggrieved aspirants. Iltija Mufti, among others, joined Ruhullah outside the Chief Minister's residence, advocating for the repeal of the policy and prioritizing merit over reservations. “Our future has pulled me in; politics will keep happening, but we are forgetting the issues,” she declared, pressing for united action beyond party lines.
Despite the criticism from peers and other political figures, Ruhullah stands firm on his stance, pledging to continue advocating for changes until justice is served. Observers of the political climate have noted this incident as indicative of the tensions brewing within the NC, as the party navigates its identity amid rising discontent from its base. The upcoming months could prove pivotal for the NC as debates surrounding reservations intensify, permanently altering its political landscapes.
Whether this internal strife will lead to meaningful reform remains to be seen. The calls for reconsideration of the reservation policy resound through the streets of Srinagar, reflected by the passionate voices of students and the controversies within the NC. The continuing evolution of this situation will likely hinge on the party's ability to unite and respond effectively to the pressing needs of the very population it aims to serve.
