Srinagar, Oct 30 (HS): The weather in the Kashmir Valley is turning cold, but the political corridors are feeling the heat. The main reason is the announcement by rebel National Conference (NC) leader and Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi that he will quit the party and resign from his seat on November 3, a move being seen as a turning point in Kashmir’s politics.

Ruhullah has chosen the 26th death anniversary of his father, Aga Syed Mehdi, to take the step, and the announcement has become a hot topic of discussion in political and public circles.

Ruhullah made the announcement in August, after NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah challenged him to resign and go back to the people if he believed voters had backed him personally. Accepting the challenge, Ruhullah cited ideological differences with the party leadership, including the party’s stand on Article 370 and its election manifesto promises.

Sources told Hindusthan Samachar that after resigning on November 3, Ruhullah will address a rally at Behisht-e-Zahra Park in his hometown of Budgam, near the DC office and about a kilometre from his residence. His supporters and well-wishers are busy finalising arrangements.

They said a large turnout is expected at the rally, especially of young people. “Aga Ruhullah has issued an open invitation. People know very well that Aga Sahib does not believe in forcing crowds together. It is the people’s love that brings them out in droves in response to his open invitation.”

Political observers believe the rally will be historic in Kashmir’s political history, and will also shape his political future.

Political analyst and leader Iftikhar Hussain Misgar told Hindusthan Samachar that Ruhullah speaks for the political aspirations of the people of Kashmir, especially the youth, which is why he is the Valley’s most popular leader.

“I have believed in Aga Ruhullah’s vision from the beginning and I fully agree with him,” Misgar said. “He is the voice of the people’s conscience, and his agenda is clear. He is working for the political empowerment of the youth. Elections or office are not his goal. His basic aim is to give voice to the feelings and emotions of the Kashmiri people.”

“If Ruhullah Sahib had been after office, he would not have announced his resignation,” he said. “He wants to serve the people by becoming the voice of their conscience.”

Misgar believes an overwhelming majority of Kashmiris, especially young people, are with Ruhullah and are ready to answer his call. “Aga Sahib is more popular among the youth,” he said. “In the last election, young people gave their votes mostly to him. Wherever he goes, most of the people in the crowd are young. He rules the hearts of the youth with his honesty, perseverance and steadfastness.”

He said Ruhullah is equally popular among the youth not only in Kashmir but in Ladakh as well, and that wherever and whenever he contests an election, people will not hesitate to vote for him.

“We are not against the Omar government, and we are not trying to woo any leader of that party,” Misgar said. “They do their work and we will do ours. Anyone whose conscience is alive and who truly wants to represent the voice of the people’s conscience will join our ranks on his own.”

According to him, the people of Kashmir are stuck in a deep quagmire of political uncertainty, and bringing them out of it with dignity is an important part of Ruhullah’s struggle.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat