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| Cong High Command Snubs Karra Camp, Appoints “Disowned” Karan Bhagat As National Coordinator | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 24: In a development that has stirred fresh political ripples within the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Congress, the party high command has appointed Karan Bhagat as National Coordinator of the AICC Scheduled Caste (SC) Department—months after he was “disowned” by the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) over alleged indiscipline. The appointment, announced through an official communication issued by AICC General Secretary K. C. Venugopal, is being seen as a significant move that has embarrassed the incumbent UT leadership headed by JKPCC president Tariq Hamid Karra. Notably, on December 11, 2025, the JKPCC had publicly distanced itself from Bhagat, terming his activities “highly objectionable and unauthorised.” The party had then declared that he stood “disowned pending further action” over charges of gross indiscipline, anti-party activities, and making alleged baseless accusations against the leadership. The controversy had erupted after Bhagat organised a function under the banner of the SC Department, which the UT Congress leadership described as “illegal” and “unauthorised.” However, the event received backing from AICC SC Department in-charge Teena Choudhary, who strongly objected to the JKPCC’s stand. Choudhary had termed the UT leadership’s statement “unwarranted and defamatory,” asserting that it had “no authority” to question a programme conducted under the mandate of the AICC SC Department. She had also announced her intent to lodge a formal complaint against the J&K leadership for undermining the department’s autonomy. At the time, the JKPCC had also pointed out that Bhagat’s claim for a party tic "The controversy had erupted after Bhagat organised a function under the banner of the SC Department, which the UT Congress leadership described as “illegal” and unauthorised.” et in the 2024 Assembly elections was rejected by the high command on merit following “serious complaints” regarding his conduct and reputation. It had further expressed concern over the participation of certain party leaders in what it described as an unauthorised event, especially in the absence of a duly appointed chairman of the SC Department after Bhagat’s resignation via social media. Senior Congress leader and working president Raman Bhalla had gone on record criticising Bhagat, alleging that he had misled party workers into attending the event and accusing him of indulging in “undesirable activities” and using “foul language.” Despite the earlier disciplinary action and sharp criticism from the UT leadership, Bhagat’s elevation to a national-level organisational role signals a clear endorsement by the party high command. Party sources indicated that the appointment is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the Congress’s organisational structure and outreach among marginalised communities across the country. Bhagat’s inclusion from Jammu and Kashmir is being viewed as recognition of his grassroots engagement and commitment to party programmes. Reacting to his appointment, Karan Bhagat expressed gratitude to the party leadership for reposing faith in him. He described the new responsibility as both an honour and a challenge, and vowed to work towards strengthening the party at the grassroots level. “I sincerely thank the Congress high command for entrusting me with this responsibility. I will work tirelessly to expand the party’s base and connect with people across Jammu and Kashmir, addressing their concerns effectively,” Bhagat said. |
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