In a dramatic political development, Mehraj Malik, the outspoken Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Doda and the only Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) representative in Jammu and Kashmir, announced his decision to withdraw support from the National Conference (NC)-led coalition government. This announcement, made on Saturday, has triggered significant debate and speculation across the Union Territory’s political landscape.

Mehraj Malik Makes His Stand Public on X (Formerly Twitter)

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.

— Mehraj Malik (@MehrajMalikAAP) June 14, 2025

Taking to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, Malik declared his withdrawal from the ruling coalition. His post read:

“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.”

This public declaration reinforces Malik’s growing political identity as an independent voice in J&K politics—one that claims to prioritize public welfare over alliance politics.

NC-Led Government Still Holds the Numbers

Despite Malik’s exit, the National Conference-led coalition remains comfortably in power, enjoying the support of 52 MLAs—well above the simple majority required. While the numbers are secure, the challenge now lies in managing dissent, especially from a vocal and independent legislator like Mehraj Malik.

A History of Fiery Speeches and Bold Accusations

Malik has consistently positioned himself as a strong critic of mainstream political parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). In his recent speeches in the legislative assembly, Malik accused both parties of playing a destructive role in the region’s governance and development.

He held them responsible for what he termed the “wreckage of the state,” criticizing their policies and past governance decisions. His remarks didn’t go unnoticed and led to severe backlash on the assembly floor.

Assault on the Assembly Premises Raises Tensions

In a disturbing incident that followed his fiery speech, Malik was reportedly assaulted by members of the BJP and PDP in the House lobby. The altercation erupted after Malik made controversial comments targeting the saffron party and the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the founder of PDP.

This confrontation not only highlighted the volatility within the assembly but also raised concerns about the rising intolerance towards dissenting voices in Jammu and Kashmir’s political circles.

A Calculated Move or Political Realignment?

Political analysts believe Malik’s move is more than symbolic. Though numerically insignificant in terms of altering the power equation, the withdrawal signifies a broader discontent brewing within the political ecosystem of the state. With AAP aiming to make deeper inroads into J&K’s political fabric, Malik’s decision could be an early indication of the party’s strategy to establish itself as a third alternative in the region.

His continued vocal opposition to the BJP and PDP, combined with a calculated withdrawal from the NC alliance, allows him to maintain an outsider image while staying in the spotlight.

What This Means for the Assembly and Public Perception

With Mehraj Malik distancing himself from the ruling coalition, the political narrative in Jammu and Kashmir is set to take a new turn. On the floor of the House, his presence will likely be more confrontational. The ruling coalition may find it difficult to pass legislation without vocal pushback, even if not numerical opposition.

Publicly, Malik’s stance resonates with a section of voters disillusioned with traditional party politics. His emphasis on “public welfare” and “trust of the people” caters to a growing appetite for clean, accountable governance—something AAP has used successfully in other regions like Delhi and Punjab.

The AAP Factor in Jammu and Kashmir

Though AAP holds only one seat in the current assembly, Mehraj Malik’s assertive politics have given the party much-needed visibility in Jammu and Kashmir. If Malik continues to position himself as a grassroots leader focused on the people’s issues, he could be pivotal in expanding AAP’s reach in future elections.

His confrontations with BJP and PDP leaders, his decision to quit the NC coalition, and his increasing popularity on social media all hint at an emerging political force that refuses to align with the status quo.

Mehraj Malik’s withdrawal of support may not topple the NC-led government, but it has certainly shaken up the political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir. His bold stance, confrontational style, and appeal to the public good place him in a unique position in regional politics.

As the only MLA from the Aam Aadmi Party, Malik has successfully positioned himself as both a disruptor and a potential change-maker. Whether this move translates into broader political gains for AAP remains to be seen—but it has undoubtedly made Malik a central figure in J&K’s political narrative.