By Pravin Kumar
In a significant political development, Mehraj Malik, the sole Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Doda constituency in Jammu and Kashmir, announced on Saturday that he is withdrawing his support from the National Conference (NC)-led coalition government.
The firebrand legislator took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to announce his withdrawal of support from the ruling National Conference-led coalition.
Malik, a vocal and dynamic legislator known for his fiery speeches and grassroots activism, cited the welfare and trust of the people of Jammu and Kashmir as his primary motivation for the decision. In his statement on X, he declared, “I, Mehraj Malik, MLA from Doda, hereby withdraw my support to NC in the government coalition. This decision has been taken in the best interest of my people of Jammu and Kashmir, whose trust and welfare will always be my top priority.”
Background of the Decision
Mehraj Malik’s decision comes nearly eight months after he extended support to the NC-Congress alliance following his historic victory in the 2024 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. Malik, who also serves as the AAP’s State President in Jammu and Kashmir, made history in October 2024 by securing the Doda seat, defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Gajay Singh Rana by a margin of 4,538 votes.
This win marked AAP’s first-ever electoral success in the Union Territory, establishing its presence in a fifth state alongside Delhi, Punjab, Gujarat, and Goa.
Following the 2024 elections, the NC-Congress alliance, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, secured a commanding majority with 49 seats in the 90-member Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly—42 from the NC and 6 from the Congress. Additionally, four independent MLAs extended their support, bringing the coalition’s strength to 52, well above the majority mark. AAP, with its lone MLA, formally pledged support to the NC-led government, with Malik submitting a letter of support to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in October 2024.
However, Malik’s withdrawal of support signals a shift in his stance, potentially driven by local concerns or internal political dynamics. While he did not specify the exact reasons beyond prioritizing the welfare of his constituents, some sources suggest that a recent controversy involving allegations of Malik threatening a female government doctor may have influenced his decision. A case was reportedly filed against him following the doctor’s complaint, though no official confirmation links this incident directly to his withdrawal.
Political Implications
Malik’s exit from the coalition is unlikely to destabilize the NC-led government, as it continues to enjoy the support of 52 MLAs, well above the required majority. However, political analysts suggest that managing Malik on the floor of the Assembly could pose a challenge for the ruling coalition.
Known for his outspoken criticism of both the BJP and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Malik’s fiery rhetoric and grassroots popularity make him a significant voice in the region. His withdrawal could lead to increased political turbulence, particularly in debates and discussions within the Assembly.
The move also underscores AAP’s growing assertiveness in Jammu and Kashmir, where it has been steadily building its presence since Malik’s entry into the party in 2013. His political journey has been marked by resilience, from contesting as an independent candidate in the 2014 Assembly elections (where he secured only 365 votes in Bhaderwah) to winning a District Development Council (DDC) seat in Kahara in 2020, and now achieving a landmark victory in 2024. Malik’s appointment as AAP’s State President on March 21, 2025, further solidified his role as the party’s face in the Union Territory.
Malik’s political ascent has not been without controversy. In 2023, he was detained briefly during a protest against a land eviction drive in Jammu’s Bathindi area, highlighting his willingness to confront authorities on behalf of his constituents. His vocal criticism of the administration under the Lieutenant Governor has made him a polarizing yet influential figure.
Reactions and Speculation
The NC and its coalition partners have not issued an official response to Malik’s withdrawal at the time of this report. However, given the coalition’s strong numerical majority, the immediate impact on government stability appears minimal. The real test will be in the Assembly, where Malik’s vocal presence could challenge the coalition’s agenda.
