Srinagar: The recent protest led by National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament (MP) Ruhullah Mehdi against the reservation policy has ignited significant controversy within his own party, with many leaders criticizing his actions as undermining party unity. On December 24, Mehdi, alongside hundreds of students and leaders from rival parties such as the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Awami Itehad Party (AIP), staged the rally outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence, protesting what they described as unfair and opaque reservation practices.
Despite the protest's aims, which included addressing grievances concerning the current reservation policy, NC MLA Salman Sagar expressed strong disapproval, labeling the event as 'drama' intended to benefit political adversaries. “This was not a protest of the National Conference. It was a protest of the enemies of the National Conference,” Sagar commented, clearly indicating his belief the demonstration served the interests of opposing parties rather than the NC.
Sagar emphasized the need for internal discourse within the party, noting, “Protests of this nature should only proceed after directives from the party leadership.” He criticized Mehdi’s involvement, stating it provided leverage to rival factions and contradicted party principles. “The presence of our MP gave them an opportunity to organize such gatherings and secure political points,” Sagar elaborated.
The protest had garnered momentum after Abdullah assured the protesters he would review the Jammu and Kashmir reservation policy within six months. This promise, along with Mehdi's actions, resulted in mixed reactions among party members and the public alike. While some students expressed gratitude for the support they received from Mehdi and other political figures, NC leaders felt the protest detracted from internal problem-solving prospects.
Sagar was adamant about the need for discipline within the NC, asserting, “If there are issues, they should be resolved within the party structure. Such actions outside the system are not democratic.” He acknowledged the students’ rights to voice their concerns but insisted these frustrations should be approached within the framework of NC protocols.
Following the backlash from his own party, Ruhullah Mehdi took to social media to respond to criticism. He quoted Malcolm X, drawing parallels between historical struggles for justice and current political sentiments, declaring, “Today, you still have house Negroes and field Negroes. I’m a field Negro.” This statement was seen as both defiance and clarification of his position within the political discourse—supporting students' rights over strict party loyalty.
Ghulam Ahmad Mir, senior Congress leader and MLA from Dooru, criticized Mehdi for what he deemed unnecessary theatrics. He encouraged direct communication with the Chief Minister instead of public protests, labeling the march as “a media spectacle.” Mir highlighted the serious nature of the issues at hand, stating, “If he genuinely believes these young people have valid concerns, then he could discuss it within the party and government.”
Adding to the controversy, BJP General Secretary Tarun Chugh warned against any alterations to the current reservation policy, emphasizing the rights of marginalized communities. He criticized the NC for playing politics with issues affecting minority groups and stressed the BJP's commitment to protecting their interests.
Meanwhile, the Open Merit Students Association, the group behind the protest, expressed disappointment at Sagar's comments, challenging the notion they were enemies of the NC. They insisted their fight for fair opportunities should not be dismissed as politically motivated. “Referring to our protest as ‘drama’ is hurtful. Are the open merit students seeking fair opportunities the enemies?” they queried, calling for greater recognition of their legitimate grievances.
This protest, eliciting both support and criticism, has revealed significant rifts within the National Conference, indicating potential challenges for the party as they navigate their political strategy moving forward. The incident has spurred debate over the effectiveness of public demonstrations and the importance of maintaining unity when confronting complex issues such as reservation policies.
Mehdi’s actions have stirred partisan sentiments within Jammu and Kashmir politics, where alignment among political factions often dictates public discourse and policy. Meanwhile, leaders from various opposing parties are seeking to capitalize on NC’s internal dissent, illustrating the contentious political climate within the region.
While the students continue to advocate for their cause, the NC faces the task of reconciling differing views on how best to address the challenges posed by reservation policies, all under the looming pressure of party solidarity.
