MUSHTAQ BALA
In a surprising turn of events, MP Aga Ruhullah of the National Conference (NC), a prominent leader of the ruling party in Jammu and Kashmir, joined a protest against the Reservation Policy introduced earlier this year. This move has ignited sharp reactions from political circles and citizens, sparking a debate over party discipline and policy governance. The protest, staged outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s official residence in Gupkar, was also attended by PDP leaders Waheed ur Rehman Parra and Iltija Mufti, alongside students and activists demanding a rational approach to the contentious policy. Ruhullah initiated the protest march from Burn Hall School to the CM’s residence, calling for the revocation of the revised reservation policy. The policy, implemented under the lieutenant governor-led administration before the assembly elections, reduced the share for the general category to 40% while increasing the reserved categories’ quota to 60%. The policy has faced growing criticism, with student associations and political parties labeling it as unjust to the majority population.
Political Fallout Ruhullah’s participation has created ripples within the National Conference. NC legislator Salman Sagar labeled his actions as a “setback” for the party’s image, asserting that the protest was not organized by the NC but by “enemies of the party.” Speaking to reporters, Sagar clarified, “This was not an NC protest. Not a single party leader participated. Ruhullah attended in his personal capacity, and it was a deviation from party discipline.” Sagar expressed disappointment over the incident, calling it an unfortunate opportunity for detractors to malign the party. “This was theatrics designed to defame the National Conference, and sadly, our MP gave them the chance to exploit the situation,” he remarked. Despite his criticism, Sagar voiced support for the students involved in the reservation policy issue, expressing confidence that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would address their concerns responsibly.
Public and Expert Reactions :The incident has drawn diverse opinions from citizens and experts. Jalaluddin Shah, a geologist and a prominent citizen from Srinagar, criticized the choice of venue for the protest. “He (Ruhullah) should have protested at the LG’s residence. The lieutenant governor is in a better position to address this issue, as it was his administration that imposed this reservation schedule,” Shah commented. Others viewed Ruhullah’s participation as a bold act. “I appreciate Ruhullah Sahib for standing with students and the general category population. It shows he prioritizes people over party politics,” said Irfan Ahmed, a university student who attended the protest. Conversely, some criticized Ruhullah for bypassing party protocols. “Instead of protesting, Ruhullah should have resolved this internally with CM Omar Abdullah and the NC leadership. Taking to the streets only weakens the party’s credibility,” said Zahid Hussain, a Srinagar-based businessman. Implications for the National Conference The incident highlights a growing rift within the National Conference. Ruhullah’s open dissent raises questions about party cohesion and leadership. While PDP leaders welcomed Ruhullah’s stance as an act of integrity, it has placed the NC in a challenging position, with insiders suggesting that the party is working to address the issue internally to avoid further embarrassment.
The Broader Debate :The reservation policy row has brought to light the broader political and social divide in Jammu and Kashmir. While calls for policy revocation are intensifying, the incident underscores the delicate balance the government must maintain between addressing public grievances and preserving political unity. For now, Aga Ruhullah’s bold move has sparked a much-needed debate on the reservation policy, but it has also exposed cracks within the ruling party. Whether this leads to meaningful policy reform or further political strife remains to be seen.
Mushtaq Bala is Editor-In-Chief of Kashmir Pen and can be reached at mushtaqabala@gmail.com
