Friday, December 5Latest news and updates from Kashmir

NC Leader tenders resignation in protest over Deputy CM’s remarks against Aga Ruhullah

In a strong show of dissent, National Conference leader Tariq Wani on Monday announced his resignation from the Jammu Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), expressing deep displeasure over the Deputy Chief Minister’s remarks against Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi.

“I hereby tender my resignation from the Jammu Kashmir National Conference. If the party cannot uphold respect for the very leader whose integrity and vision helped it regain the trust of the people, then there is little meaning left for workers like us,” Wani said in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter).

He accused the Deputy Chief Minister of showing “intoxication of power,” saying the leader seemed to have forgotten “the stature of the person he chose to speak against.”

“Let us not forget it is the National Conference that gave him this platform; without it, even social media spaces would have remained out of reach,” he added.

Wani said he held respect for everyone but could not compromise on the dignity of Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, whom he described as “a true people’s leader.”

“Any attempt to belittle him is an insult to the sentiments of the people of Kashmir. The Deputy Chief Minister must apologize publicly for his remarks,” Wani said.

Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister had courted controversy after, when asked about Ruhullah Mehdi during a media interaction, he said, “Who is Aga? I don’t know Aga,” sparking outrage among National Conference supporters.

Tariq, however, has said that he does not hold any position in National Conference. “I am a ground worker of Jammu Kashmir National Conference and have resigned in protest over deputy CM’s remarks against Aga Ruhullah Mehdi sahab,” he said in a post on twitter.