National Conference Reverses Course on J&K Special Status
In a significant political shift, the National Conference has brought the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special status back to the forefront of its agenda. The party's highest decision-making body, the working committee, met on November 28-29 and unanimously passed a resolution reaffirming its commitment to this core issue.
The dramatic rethink comes barely two weeks after the party suffered a shocking defeat in the Budgam Assembly bypoll. This was particularly embarrassing for the NC since Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had won this same seat in last year's Assembly elections, and the party had held it continuously since 1977.
Resolution Details and Political Implications
The working committee resolution stated: "The working committee unanimously reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's special status. The committee reiterated that this issue is central to the aspirations and dignity of the people and must be addressed without further delay."
This marks a notable departure from the party's approach since coming to power. While their election manifesto had promised to restore "political and legal rights" and work towards autonomy restoration, the NC government had primarily focused on statehood restoration, pushing the special status issue to the background.
The perceived softening of the NC government's stance on this key poll promise had not only provided ammunition to political opponents but also created visible fissures within the party itself.
Internal Party Tensions and Ruhullah Factor
The working committee meeting notably refrained from taking any disciplinary action against Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, despite growing public differences between him and party leadership. Ruhullah has been increasingly vocal about what he perceives as the party's "failed" promises regarding political rights.
Ruhullah's influence, previously confined to Budgam district, has expanded significantly since 2024, transcending geographical boundaries. His absence from the party's campaign during the Budgam bypoll is widely seen as a crucial factor in the NC candidate's defeat.
The Budgam contest featured a battle between prominent Aga families, with PDP's Aga Muntazir Mehdi defeating NC's Aga Syed Mahmood by 4,478 votes. The BJP also fielded an Aga candidate, Aga Syed Mohsin, who finished in sixth position.
Mounting Pressure and Course Correction
Multiple factors appear to have forced the NC's course correction. Feedback indicated growing public disenchantment with the party's perceived failure to deliver on political rights promises. Additionally, MLAs have been struggling with the limitations of operating within a dual power structure where the Lieutenant Governor's office continues to wield substantial influence.
The resolution also urged the Government of India to "immediately restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, as promised on the Floor of Parliament."
Senior party leaders acknowledge that while Ruhullah's growing clout presents concerns, taking action against him at this juncture could further damage the party's popularity. One NC leader explained: "He is a senior party leader and he differs with Omar Sahib's strategy. There is a growing sense within the party that the issue needs to be resolved through dialogue."
The party's renewed focus on special status restoration signals a recognition that it cannot afford to ignore this emotionally charged issue, particularly as the Valley simmers with discontent over administrative challenges and perceived surrenders of power to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
