Srinagar: The day has come when, for the first time in the history of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), one of its elected members is set to resign from a parliamentary seat, citing principles as the reason for his decision.
Whether the move will help him reign or lead him to political ruin remains to be seen. However, political observers believe that taking such a decision requires a certain degree of courage, something Ruhullah appears to have demonstrated.
Although this is not the first time an elected representative from Jammu and Kashmir has resigned from the Lok Sabha over political differences and principles.
Tariq Hameed Karra resigned from the Lok Sabha, where he represented Srinagar, and quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on September 15, 2016. Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan subsequently accepted his resignation with effect from October 17, 2016.
Karra, who is presently the Jammu and Kashmir Congress president, had said at the time that his resignation was a protest against the heavy civilian casualties, injuries and mass blinding incidents during the 2016 Kashmir unrest following the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani. He had also opposed the PDP-BJP alliance, describing it as an “unnatural alliance” and a “sell-out” to RSS-driven agendas.
Now, Ruhullah appears set to follow a similar course.
Speaking to KNO, Ruhullah said he would resign from the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
“I will resign from the Lok Sabha tomorrow,” he said.
Ruhullah is also set to quit the National Conference amid differences with the party over several issues, including Article 370 and other politically sensitive matters.
A three-time MLA from the Budgam Assembly constituency, Ruhullah won the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat in the 2024 general elections, defeating PDP candidate Waheed Ur Rehman Para by a record margin of 1.88 lakh votes.
The MP has been a vocal advocate of issues concerning Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir’s political rights and the reservation policy.
His resignation would leave the Srinagar parliamentary constituency vacant, necessitating a by-election within six months, subject to applicable legal provisions. The proposed bypoll could witness a direct contest between Ruhullah and the National Conference, although other political parties are also expected to join the electoral fray.
