Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi

Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi
Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha
Incumbent
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 (191111), Jammu & Kashmir, India.
Political party	Jammu & Kashmir National Conference
Spouse	Nayereh Eslamiakram Iranian
Children	Daughter: 1
Parent	Aga Syed Mehdi
Residence(s)	Darul Mustafa Shariatabad Budgam, Srinagar Jammu and Kashmir

Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi (Template:Lang-ur) is a prominent political leader from Jammu and Kashmir.He is the member of Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC).Currently he is the member of the Indian Parliament and represents the constituency of Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir . Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi is known for his opposition to the abrogation of Article 370 and his advocacy for inclusive, non-sectarian politics in Jammu and Kashmir.Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi is also recognized for his tenure as The Youngest Cabinet minister in India. He served three times as an MLA in Budgam and held ministerial positions in the Jammu and Kashmir government, including portfolios such as Science and Technology and Animal Husbandry. He also is a well know SHIA Muslim cleric

Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi

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 and was exposed to both religious teachings and the political dynamics of the state from a young age. After the untimely demise of his father in 2000, Ruhullah Mehdi stepped into politics, following his father’s footsteps.

His early involvement in politics was shaped by the values and legacy of his family, particularly the commitment to serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir.Over time, he emerged as a key political figure in the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), continuing the tradition of leadership in his family.

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 & 2014. In 2009, he was inducted in the State Cabinet and became the youngest ever cabinet Minister in India. In 2015, Mehdi was nominated as the Chief Spokesperson of the National Conference. However, after the abrogation of Article 370 on 5 August 2019, he had distanced himself from the party’s stand, accusing it of maintaining silence over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir after 5 August. Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi had filled nomination for 2024 Lok Sabha election from 02- Srinagar Lok Sabha Constituency and defeated People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed Para by over 1.88 lakh votes. Mehdi garnered 3.56 lakh votes (52.8%) while Para managed 1.68 lakh votes (24.9%)

Achievements

Aga Ruhullah, shot into prominence after 2019 for his outspoken and fiery speeches, against the abrogation of Article 370.He has visited many foreign countries including the USA. 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.

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.

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.