MP Ruhullah’s exit from NC a success of BJP, attempt to disempower people like in 1953: NC leaders

The National Conference, a long‑standing political party in Jammu and Kashmir, confirmed that senior figure Aga Syed Ruhullah will no longer serve as a member of the party. In a public statement, NC legislator Salman Sagar attributed the departure to a coordinated effort by the Bharatiya Janata Party, describing it as an execution of the BJP’s “Operation Lotus” strategy. Sagar explained that the operation involves persuading opposition members to resign or switch allegiance, and he said Ruhullah’s exit fits that pattern.

Sagar also invoked the year 1953, recalling a period when central authorities imposed restrictions that limited the political agency of regional representatives. He argued that the current episode reflects a similar intent to dilute the influence of local voices in the state’s decision‑making process. Opposition parties and civil‑society groups have voiced concern that such tactics could erode democratic participation in a region already sensitive to political shifts, especially ahead of upcoming elections.

The development is likely to reshape the power dynamics within Jammu and Kashmir, where the National Conference has traditionally played a key role in coalition building. Analysts suggest that the BJP’s maneuver may aim to weaken the party’s negotiating strength and create openings for its own candidates. Legal experts note that any allegations of coercion could lead to petitions in the courts, while political observers will watch how other regional leaders respond to the perceived pressure on party members.