Ruling NC MP Ruhullah protests outside CM Omar Abdullah's residence over reservation policy

Srinagar: In an unprecedented move, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, a Member of Parliament from Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency led a protest outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence demanding “rationalisation of the reservation policy” in Jammu and Kashmir.

This marks a rare instance of public dissent from within the ruling National Conference (NC).

The issue of reservation reform has been a major point of contention in recent months, with growing calls for a more equitable and transparent system. It was also a key part of the NC’s election manifesto, particularly in the wake of the party-led alliance’s victory in the Assembly elections earlier this year.

The new reservation policy, implemented after the abrogation of Article 370, has sparked widespread debate over its fairness and impact on the region’s merit-based opportunities.

Dozens of students, including those from Government Medical College, Srinagar, joined Ruhullah’s protest. Holding placards reading “Save Merit,” “Merit Builds Strong Foundation,” and “Merit Matters Most,” while raising calls for justice.

Ruhullah, addressing the crowd, emphasized the need for the government to reconsider the impact of the new rules on the open merit category. “We are not against reservations, but they shouldn’t undermine the interests of those in the open merit category,” he said outside the Chief Minister’s residence on the posh Gupkar Road.

He criticized the changes introduced after the revocation of Article 370, arguing that “the rights of the people were snatched without consulting them.”

In a rare move, opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders Waheed Parra and Iltija Mufti also joined the protest. The protests have drawn support from leaders across the political spectrum.

“I wholeheartedly welcome Ruhullah’s decision to stand with the youth. This is a pivotal moment to address grievances and ensure our policies are inclusive, youth-friendly and just,” Parra posted on X.

In an even more surprising turn, Hurriyat Conference chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, lent his support to the protest. Calling for a fairer reservation system, Mirwaiz said, “The current status of reservations undermines the interests of the open merit category. Safeguard all segments of society without disadvantaging any one group.”

He also expressed his willingness to join the protest if permitted by authorities and indicated he would address the issue in his Friday sermon at Jamia Masjid.

Earlier, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in response to Ruhullah call for protests said that while he “understands the emotions surrounding the reservation issue”, a cabinet sub-committee has been notified for the same and will begin work on engaging stakeholders.

“Peaceful protest is a democratic right, and I would be the last person to deny anyone that right. However, I ask that people understand that the issue has not been ignored. Your government is taking steps to ensure everyone’s voice is heard, and a fair decision will be made after due process,” he said.

Ruhullah's protest is the first instance of internal opposition within the ruling National Conference. The protest outside Omar Abdullah’s residence adds a layer of significance, as it directly challenges the decisions of the very leadership he belongs to.

As tensions over the reservation policy rise, it remains to be seen how the NC leadership will address the concerns raised by one of its prominent members.