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.
Early life
Aga 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
Aga 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.[5]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 However, after Article 370 was repealed on 5 August 2019, he disassociated himself from the party's stand and accused the party of remaining silent over the circumstances in Jammu and Kashmir after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.[6]
In 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Mehdi contested from Srinagar constituency as National Conference candidate and won with a margin of 1.8 lakh votes.[7][8]
Achievements
Aga 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
After 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.[9]
Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi
In Parliament
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.
