Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi (Urdu: آغا سید روح اللہ مہدی) is an Indian politician from Jammu and Kashmir who is currently serving as the member of parliament representing Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency. He is the member of Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC). Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi is known for his ferocious opposition to the abrogation of Article 370 and his advocacy for inclusive, non-sectarian politics in Jammu and Kashmir. He served three times as an MLA from Budgam[1] and held ministerial positions in the Jammu and Kashmir government, including portfolios such as Science and Technology and Animal Husbandry. He is also a well known Shia Muslim cleric.
Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha | |
| Assumed office 4 June 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Farooq Abdullah |
| Constituency | Srinagar |
| Member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly | |
| In office 2002–2018 | |
| Constituency | Budgam |
| Cabinet Minister Science and technology, Animal husbandry | |
| In office 2008–2014 | |
| Governor | N. N. Vohra |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1977 (age 46–47) Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir, India |
| Political party | Jammu & Kashmir National Conference |
| Spouse | Nayereh Eslamiakram |
| Children | Daughter: 1 |
| Parent | Aga Syed Mehdi |
| Residence(s) | Darul Mustafa Shariatabad Budgam, Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir |
| Alma mater | Tyndale Biscoe School,University of Kashmir |
Early life
editAga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi was born into a prominent religious and political family in Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir. His family, The Aga Family, has deep roots in the Shia Muslim community of the region, with a legacy of religious scholarship and leadership. His father, Aga Syed Mehdi, was a respected cleric and politician who played a significant role in the development of region's religious and political landscape.
Ruhullah Mehdi grew up in the environment of religious influence and political activism. He received his early education from Tyndale Biscoe School. After the untimely demise of his father in 2000, Ruhullah Mehdi stepped into politics.[2][3][4]
Political career
editAga Ruhullah's political career started in the year 2002, when he contested his first assembly election from Budgam and won. He continued his winning streak in 2008 and 2014. In 2009, he was inducted in the State Cabinet and became the youngest ever cabinet Minister in India.[citation needed] Mehdi was nominated as the Chief Spokesperson of the National Conference in 2015. However, after Article 370 was repealed on 5 August 2019, he disassociated himself from the party's stand and accused the party of remaining silent over the circumstances in Jammu and Kashmir after August 5. He resigned from the post of chief spokesperson on 28 July 2020.[5]
In 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Mehdi contested from Srinagar constituency as National Conference candidate and won with a margin of 1.8 lakh votes.[6][7]
Achievements
editAga Ruhullah, shot into prominence after 2019 for his outspoken and fiery speeches, against the abrogation of Article 370. In the Year 2006, he was Chosen by the US embassy for International Visitors Leadership Program in USA as youngest Indian Legislator. In 2010, he was awarded by Network 18, CNN-IBN as the Youngest Indian Leader.[2]
Aftermath of MP elections 2024
editAfter winning the MP elections from Srinagar (2024) he expressed his gratitude on his win, he said, "A big thank you to the people of Srinagar, Pulwama, Ganderbal, Shopian and Budgam for this mandate and faith on me. I am humbled and I am aware of the responsibility that this mandate brings with it. You have spoken democratically and spoken against the decisions of August 5, 2019." "From here on it is my responsibility to take your voice to the Parliament. Rest assured, I will represent your sentiments and struggle for the return of our dignity and rights with complete sincerity," he added.[8]
In Parliament
edit- Raised the issues with different Ministries MoHFW INDIA regarding NHM doctors and paramedical . Also requested for CT scans in all district hospitals of J&K, particularly in Pulwama - Shopian & Budgam - Gandarbal district hospitals.
- Demanded release of the hundreds of prisoners of J&K who are held without trials for years and also asked for the transfer of those who are under trials and not convicted yet, to the jails of Jammu and Kashmir
- Introduced a private member's bill to enforce, implement and promote the complete prohibition of liquor and intoxicants in the Jammu & Kashmir.
References
edit- ^ "Full list of winners and losers in Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections". India TV News. 23 December 2014.
- ^ a b "From Tragedy To Controversy: Ruhullah's Rise As A Politician". Kashmir Observer. 4 June 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ Hussain, Masood (4 August 2020). "'I Cannot Forget That Horrible Day, I Broke Down'". Kashmir Life. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ KNS (3 November 2023). "Dr Farooq Abdullah visits Aga Ruhullah's residence, pays tributes to late Aga Syed Mehdi". KNS. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ Ganai, Naseer (5 July 2024). "Ruhullah Mehdi, Rising Star of Kashmir's Politics". Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ Ashiq, Peerzada (12 April 2024). "National Conference fields Omar Abdullah from Baramulla, Shia cleric Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi from Srinagar". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ "Srinagar election results 2024 live updates: JKNC's Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi wins with over 1.8 lakh votes". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
- ^ Mehdi, Ruhullah (4 June 2024). "A big thank you to the people of Srinagar, Pulwama, Gandarbal, Shopian and Budgam for this mandate and faith in me". X (twitter).
- ^ Qadir, Gafira (14 August 2024). "Interview with Kashmir MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi: "Kashmiris reduced to second-class citizens of Union of India"". Maktoob Media. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ "Release prisoners held without trial, end 'overly harsh' police verification, NC MP Ruhullah Mehdi urges CM Omar Abdullah". Maktoob Media. 30 October 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ "NC's most sought-after face, Aga Ruhullah makes his presence felt in J&K polls". The Indian Express. 30 September 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ "After terror attack in Budgam, Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah slams BJP's "Repeated Failures" in J&K Security". Rising Kashmir. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ "BJP Should Be Held Accountable: Aga Ruhullah". Kashmir Observer. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ "MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi urges the new J&K Chief Minister to prioritize justice, employment, and equitable governance for a united and progressive future". Asia News Network. 29 October 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ "Aga Ruhullah Face behind NC's success in JK Elections 2024". Money Control.